Fire Ant Ready Program
Fire Ant Ready Program
The Fire Ant Ready Program is an industry support initiative delivered by Greenlife Industry Queensland (GIQ).
Book a Fire Ant Support Visit
Red Imported Fire Ants (RIFA) are an invasive pest that pose a serious threat to Southeast Queensland’s environment, agriculture and Greenlife industries. Certain materials such as soil, mulch, turf, potted plants and other landscaping products are considered regulated materials within fire ant biosecurity zones because they may pose a risk of spreading fire ants.
Businesses operating within fire ant biosecurity zones have legal responsibilities when moving these materials. Understanding these requirements is important to prevent the spread of fire ants and ensure compliance with biosecurity regulations.
Greenlife Industry Queensland offers fire ant mentoring sessions to help industry members, businesses, and organisations understand fire ant risks and their obligations when moving plant products and materials.
These visits are supportive and educational. They are not audits or compliance inspections the goal is to help businesses understand fire ant requirements and reduce risk.
Our Fire Ant officer can visit your workplace to provide practical information tailored to your operations.
What a Support Visit Covers
A fire ant mentoring visit can help your team understand:
- How to identify red imported fire ants and their nests
- Why fire ants are a risk to the Greenlife Industry
- How fire ants can spread through industry activities
- Your legal obligations when moving materials from within fire ant biosecurity zones
- Requirements for treating, handling, record keeping, and transporting regulated materials
- Practical steps to reduce the risk on your site
- What to do if fire ants are suspected or found
What is the Fire Ant Ready Program?
The Fire Ant Ready Program is an industry support initiative delivered by Greenlife Industry Queensland (GIQ). The program provides practical guidance, tools, and mentoring to help nursery businesses understand and meet fire ant biosecurity requirements.
The program aims to support industry awareness, strengthen biosecurity practices, and help businesses manage fire ant compliance obligations.
Who is the program designed for?
The program is designed for Queensland nursery and greenlife businesses, including growers, wholesalers, and businesses that produce or move plants and related materials.
Is participation in the program free?
Yes. Participation in the Fire Ant Ready Program, including mentoring sessions and access to educational resources, is provided at no cost to eligible industry businesses.
Some specialised templates and resources may be available exclusively to Greenlife Industry Queensland members.
What support does the program provide?
The Fire Ant Ready Program provides a range of practical support for nursery businesses, including:
- Educational resources and compliance guidance
• Practical tools and templates
• One-on-one mentoring visits
• Industry communication and awareness resources
These supports are designed to help businesses better understand fire ant compliance requirements and strengthen their biosecurity practices.
What mentoring support is available through the Fire Ant Ready Program?
The program offers one-on-one mentoring sessions with nursery businesses to provide practical guidance on fire ant compliance and biosecurity practices.
These sessions help businesses review their current systems and identify practical steps to strengthen their compliance processes.
What happens during a mentoring visit?
A mentoring visit is designed to provide practical, business-focused guidance.
During a visit, the Fire Ant Ready Program project officer may:
- provide an overview of fire ant compliance requirements
• review current nursery systems and procedures
• walk through relevant operational areas of the business
• identify practical steps that may strengthen compliance systems
Businesses will receive tailored suggestions and guidance that can help improve their preparedness for fire ant compliance requirements.
Is a mentoring visit an inspection or audit?
Mentoring visits are not inspections or enforcement activities.
The program is designed to provide guidance and support to help businesses understand and improve their compliance systems.
How do I request a mentoring session?
Businesses can request a mentoring session through the booking form
Button located at the bottom of this page.
Still Have Questions?
If you have further questions about the Fire Ant Ready Program or would like support understanding fire ant compliance requirements, please contact the Fire Ant Program Officer Brendan Roe on Brendan@greenlifeindustryqld.org.au or call the office 07 3277 7900.
Booking a Visit
If you would like to arrange a fire ant mentoring visit, please complete the booking form below. You can nominate preferred dates for your visit.
A member of the Greenlife Industry Queensland team will confirm availability and contact you if further information is required.
This is a joint initiative with the National Fire Ant Eradication program.
Greenlife Industry Qld