Farmers have welcomed a fresh crackdown on biosecurity breaches as the state escalates its campaign against deadly Red Imported Fire Ants.
Two businesses have been fined $60,000 respectively in the NSW Local Court for bringing soil, turf and compost into the state from Queensland's fire ant infested area without certification.
NSW Farmers' Biosecurity Committee Chair Tony Hegarty said this latest breach of biosecurity laws had put NSW at great risk, with fire ants presenting a $60 billion dollar threat to the nation.
"There are serious consequences for those found to be doing the wrong thing and breaching our biosecurity laws - and there is very good reason for this," Mr Hegarty said.
"NSW remains fire ant free for now, but if this pest finds its way into the state, our whole community will need to radically change their way of life to prevent being stung by these horrific pests.
"The costs of controlling a widespread outbreak could sound a death knell for the economy, and don't forget the impacts on agriculture. This is simply a threat we cannot afford to ignore, and eradication is the only safe solution for our communities."
Current biosecurity orders prohibit the movement of turf from Queensland fire-infested areas into NSW, with a number of other restrictions in place for other fire ant carriers including heavy vehicles.
Mr Hegarty said the NSW Government's latest clampdown on biosecurity orders had come as welcome news to many, with serious and sustained action critical to stopping the spread of fire ants into NSW.
"NSW deserves a biosecurity system that is proactive and effective when it comes to eradicating extreme biosecurity threats - and that includes fire ants," Mr Hegarty said.
"A serious biosecurity regime is what the NSW Government has demonstrated, and we thank them for delivering this when it's needed."
