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What’s New

Check out what we've been up to in February 2022

Green Forest update

Yellow crazy ants were first detected at Green Forest near Kuranda by a resident in 2019. The Wet Tropics Management Authority’s field team annually survey and treat the 16ha infestation area with the aim of eradicating the ants. The latest 2022 survey by the Authority’s field team, two odor detection dogs, and a team from NQ Land Management Services found the presence of yellow crazy ants—this has recently been treated thanks to the wonderful work of the Authority’s field team.

A resident had contacted us prior to the survey to report suspected yellow crazy ants around their house. This really drives home the importance of our community members being able to recognise the ants. Keeping yellow crazy ants out of our irreplaceable Wet Tropics World Heritage Area is extremely important in protecting the incredible biodiversity that exists here. Some good news, with recent surveys being undertaken along the Barron river have shown an absence of yellow crazy ants confirming no wash down of ants from upstream infestations.

Working together

In 2014, a committed group of community members joined forces in Russett Park to create what is now the Kuranda Yellow Crazy Ant Community Taskforce which consists of over 270 volunteers. This was in response to a resident finding yellow crazy ants on her property and reporting them to the Wet Tropics Management Authority (the Authority). In June 2015, Kuranda Envirocare received a Wet Tropics Community Grant from Terrain Natural Resource Management to coordinate volunteers to survey and treat the infestation area. The community also raised $20,000, half of which was donated by The Kuranda Paper for research by James Cook University into the biology of yellow crazy ants.

Today the Taskforce works alongside the Authority to help find and eradicate yellow crazy ants in and adjacent to the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area.

Biosecurity Queensland’s Electric Ant Eradication Program has also given ongoing support to the Authority by reporting yellow crazy ants if they are found on their routine electric ant yard checks and sharing community engagement opportunities.

Raising community awareness

Community awareness continues to grow as we find more ways to get the important message out there about yellow crazy ants and the great threat they pose to our environment and lifestyle. Keep an eye out for our ‘Report yellow crazy ants’ message on the electronic sign at the top of the Kuranda Range on the Kennedy Highway.

 

 

 

 

Volunteer with us

Volunteer and join the Taskforce or stay informed about yellow crazy ants

What’s Coming Up

You want to get involved in our awesome events?

What’s happening

Sun 3rd April – Yellow Crazy Ant Update 5 pm

Meet 284 Myola Rd Kuranda, carpool to site for community tree planting 3-5 pm

Yellow crazy ant talk @ Kuranda Envirocare Community Tree planting starts at 3 pm if you would like to join for both.

Saturday 2 April & Sunday 3rd April

Free domestic green waste disposal days Kuranda and Mareeba transfer station

April 2022 TBC

Taskforce Surveys @ Kuranda creeks for the purpose of protecting our critically endangered Litoria myola- aka Kuranda Tree Frog habitat. If you would like to be involved please get in touch.

 



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    On a final note

    The Community Taskforce is a community-run organisation that assists the Wet Tropics Management Authority in managing the yellow crazy ant infestations in Kuranda. Volunteers are involved in some aspects of the program, including undertaking monitoring activities, completing surveys of known infestation areas and surveys in the surrounding area.

    We search for both yellow crazy ants and electric ants.

    To report illegal dumping contact Mareeba Shire Council on 1300 308 461. Report yellow crazy ants call 1800 CRAZY ANT

    To volunteer with the Yellow Crazy Ant Community Taskforce call (07) 4093 8989, email coordinator@communitytaskforce.org.au  or visit @ycacommunitytaskforce Facebook page.

    Sylvia Conway

    Yellow Crazy Ant Community Taskforce Coordinator

    2 Comments

    • Freeman Judy says:

      Hi Sylvia, Just wondering what the outcome of the surveys on our property, and if any yellow crazy ants were found. Thanks to all of the team for your wonderful work

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