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What’s New

Check out what we've been up to in June and some of July

Russett Park infestation survey

Wet Tropics Management Authority’s field teams have treated and completed the survey searching for yellow crazy ants at the Russett Park infestation area for 2021. The small patch of yellow crazy ants detected in one area was first detected by the Authority’s field staff using lure surveys. A follow-up survey over the same area by the Authority’s odour detection dog, Fury, found more yellow crazy ants. The patch was treated with ant insecticide Antoff on 10 June 2021.

Annual surveys for yellow crazy ants will continue at Russett Park for several years to ensure yellow crazy ants are truly eradicated. Russett Park residents need to remain vigilant for any future detections of yellow crazy ants. You can help us prevent potential spread by disposing of garden material onsite or at waste transfer stations and report possible sightings to 1800 CRAZY ANT.

The Taskforce attends the Cassowary Awards

Taskforce volunteers Tim Brown and Nader Peard were nominated at the Wet Tropics Management Authority’s 18th Cassowary Awards on 19 June at TANK 3 in the Cairns Botanic Gardens. It was a prestigious night for recognising locals contributing to the preservation and presentation of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area.

Tim was nominated for the Peter Hitchcock Community Champion category and Nader Peard for the Young Cassowary Award. Their nominations were in recognition of their passion in protecting the values of the Wet Tropics, particularly the work they do in supporting the eradication of yellow crazy ants from the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area and surrounds.

Congratulations Tim and Nader for your nominations. The Taskforce is extremely proud of you both for your passion to make our region a better place for all.

And congratulations to all the winners from each of the 10 categories. To see the full list of winners, visit www.wettropics.gov.au

The Taskforce surveyed Russett Park infestation area for invasive ants

Taskforce volunteers went on the hunt for yellow crazy ants and electric ants along the Barron River in Kuranda on Saturday 3 July 2021. The ant hunt was within the known yellow crazy ant infestation area at Russett Park.

The survey used a cat food and jam lure for yellow crazy ants and sausage lure for electric ants.  Lures were placed five metres apart along three transects and were later checked for invasive ants. Suspect ant samples were taken and each survey point was recorded with a GPS.

Six volunteers from Cairns and Kuranda came to help out with the eradication of these invasive ants. The Taskforce started at Kuranda Envirocare nursery where they received training from the Authority’s operations staff in lure surveys, invasive ant recognition, GPS tracking and sampling, before they took to the field for the hunt.

Fortunately, we didn’t detect yellow crazy ants and a preliminary check from the Authority didn’t detect electric ants either. Biosecurity Queensland will confirm the negative detection of the electric ant samples.

Thank you to volunteers Tim, Bernd, Eden, Davini, Sam and Alan for a fun field day and thanks to Jules Seabright and Lucasz Podorgorski from the Authority for leading the Taskforce in the field survey.

Jules Seabright Taskforce volunteer turned field survey leader

In September 2020, Jules Seabright joined the Taskforce as a volunteer. Jules later landed a job with the Authority in February 2021 as a field operations officer for the Yellow Crazy Ant Eradication Program. Since being employed, Jules has been perfecting skills in the field, searching for yellow crazy ants in sugarcane, forested and residential areas.

With our recent field survey searching for invasive ants at Russett Park on 3 July 2021. Jules immediately stepped up, along with Lucasz Podorgorski from the Authority, to lead the Taskforce in the field survey. Jules and Lucasz did a marvellous job and the Taskforce is so proud of how far Jules has come. Jules you are a Taskforce star!

Disposing green waste in Kuranda

As of 1 July 2021, Mareeba Shire Council is charging residents a $9 fee per trailer or ute load to dispose domestic green waste at the Kuranda waste transfer station. However, residents can dispose their green waste for free three times a year on dates yet to be determined.

We don’t want yellow crazy ants or electric ants to spread due to illegal dumping.

For residents living in the Russett Park and Green Forest infestation areas, please continue to dispose of your green waste responsibly by taking it to the waste transfer station, keeping in mind your three per year free disposals, or dispose your green waste through composting or burning on your property. Please do not illegally dump or let your green waste wash down a waterway. This notification also applies to Kuranda residents living in electric ant restriction zones.

To get your green waste checked call 1800 CRAZY ANT. For further details about the green waste notification visit: https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=119061077052092&set=a.117402653884601

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?

Volunteer EXPO

The volunteer EXPO celebrates and showcases volunteering in our community. A range of volunteering organisations will be there including our Taskforce. The event is on 25 July 2021 at the TANKS 3 market day between 9:00am and 2:00pm. The Taskforce will have a stall highlighting our volunteer activities and yellow crazy ant awareness.

If you would like to participate in this community event please contact coordinator@communitytaskforce.org.au.

Date: Sunday 25 July 2021
Where: TANKS 3 Market Day, Collins Ave, Edge Hill
Time: 9am-2pm



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    On a final note, I’ll be on leave between 26 July – 1 August. For those of you who know Sylvia Conway, the previous Taskforce coordinator, she will be returning to the role as coordinator when I go on maternity leave. A handover will happen towards the end of August and September 2021. Thanks for reading!

    Ciara Bridgland

    Yellow Crazy Ant Community Taskforce Coordinator

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