'Crazy' ant eradication milestone
wet tropics management
A significant milestone in the Wet Tropics Management Authority (WTMA) fight against the yellow crazy ant has been reached.
The Authority has declared a further 180 hectares free from the ant, claiming it as "another milestone" for its world-leading eradication program.
During the life of the program this brings the total area of eradication of the highly aggressive species to more than 1255ha, with a further 2025ha under active management.
Of the 180ha of eradicated sites, 79ha was in Bentley Park - one of the initial and largest infestations.
This meant the suburb was yellow crazy ant free, following the eradication in 2024 of more than 1100 residential lots.
The latest milestone also included Sandy Creek (42ha) and Bana Gindarja Creek (64ha), among two of the most complex and persistent infestations sites.
WTMA Executive Director Scott Buchanan said sites like Sandy Creek were really challenging to work on and hard to access, where weeds such as Guinea grass would get up to 3 metres high.
“The infestations here were really persistent, and back in 2014, when we first discovered them, were so bad in places it looked like a scene out of a horror film,” Mr Buchanan said.
“This is another significant achievement for WTMA, but more importantly a positive outcome for residents and the wider community, whose continued support ensures our homes and businesses remain ant-free.
This enables us to maintain a buffer to protect the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area - the best back yard in the world,” he said.
WTMA manages the Yellow Crazy Ant Eradication Program to combat the spread of the tiny pest, which is on the list of the world's top 100 invasive species. The program is jointly funded by the Australian Government’s Saving Native Species Program and the Queensland Government.
Federal Member for Leichhardt, Matt Smith, said the eradication of an invasive species in an area is almost unheard of, and is testament to the passion and work of the WTMA team.
“Yellow crazy ants may be small creatures, but they can have devastating impacts on wildlife, agriculture, and even the tourism industry.
“This is a huge achievement,” Mr Smith said.
Federal Minister for the Environment and Water, Murray Watt, said yellow crazy ants posed a serious threat to native species and the World Heritage values of the Wet Tropics.
"Yellow crazy ants destroy ecosystems, kill invertebrates and small animals, and they can have serious economic impacts on tourism and agriculture if not controlled," he said.
"The Albanese Government is committed to the continued recognition, protection and management of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, that's why we invested $12 million through our Saving Native Species Program."
Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said the eradication of yellow crazy ants from additional locations was "significant".
“In 2025 the Crisafulli Government committed an additional $6 million to support the Yellow Crazy Ant Eradication Program, and these results demonstrate why this investment was so important,” Minister Powell said.
“The Wet Tropics Management Authority leads a world-class eradication program, and we commend their tireless work to protect our natural environment and safeguard our tourism industry for future generations.”
An Independent Review in June 2025 concluded that eradication of yellow crazy ants within and adjacent to the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area in the Cairns region remains feasible and in the national interest and will be achieved subject to ongoing funding.
Residents are urged to remain vigilant and encouraged to report any suspicious ants by calling 07 4241 0525 or emailing [email protected]
