The Greens today unveil an election commitment to continue the Yellow Crazy Ant Eradication Program ensuring the long-term protection of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area and its surrounding communities.
Larissa Waters, Greens Leader in the Senate and Senator for Queensland said:
"The Wet Tropics World Heritage Area is one of the most precious natural sites on Earth, and we have a responsibility to protect it from threats like the yellow crazy ant.
"Although crazy ants are tiny they can swarm in great numbers, killing much larger animals like lizards, frogs, small mammals, turtle hatchlings and bird chicks.
"Since its establishment in 2013, the Yellow Crazy Ant Eradication Program has achieved unprecedented success, becoming the largest recorded eradication of yellow crazy ants in the world.
"More than 550 hectares of land, including over 1,200 residential properties, have been cleared of these destructive pests, with a significant focus on areas within the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area.
"The Greens are committed to securing the future of this unique environment, and with $30 million over the next decade, we will ensure the vital work of the Yellow Crazy Ant Eradication Program continues.
"The program has already seen substantial results, including the successful eradication of yellow crazy ants from areas adjacent to Sawmill Pocket and Bentley Park, marking a major milestone in the fight to protect the Wet Tropics.
"As of 2023, the program has reduced the infestation within the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area from 221.4 hectares to 165 hectares, making significant progress toward the program's goal of complete eradication.
"Our $30 million investment will build on this success and help protect the residential areas and vital natural habitats in the Wet Tropics for future generations,
"The federal government has committed $15.6 million per year for just three years toward the program and we are yet to see any commitment from the opposition. The Greens' proposal offers a much-needed long-term funding solution to ensure sustained efforts and the eradication program's success."
"The Greens are focused on the long-term, and that means funding solutions that will ensure the Wet Tropics Management Authority can continue its critical work safeguarding the region's biodiversity and preventing the spread of this harmful invasive species.
"Our $30 million investment over the next 10 years will provide the stability and resources needed to protect this incredible area of biodiversity, prevent the spread of this harmful invasive species and ensure we meet our obligations under the World Heritage Convention.
"This program is already achieving incredible success, and with our continued support, we can ensure it reaches its full potential.
"The Wet Tropics World Heritage Area is a national and global treasure, and the Greens are committed to ensuring its protection."
BACKGROUND
The Greens will:
- Provide $30m over 10 years to the Wet Tropics Management Authority to continue funding the Yellow Crazy Ant Eradication Program
Information on the program from Wet Tropics Management Authority:
The Wet Tropics Management Authority's Yellow Crazy Ant Eradication Program, established in 2013, has achieved the largest recorded eradication of yellow crazy ants in the world - 552.8 ha in total.
This includes more than 1,200 residential properties and the eradication of yellow crazy ants from sites within the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area.
The total area eradicated within the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area was 56.4 ha. This followed the successful eradication of yellow crazy ants in the forested areas adjacent to Sawmill Pocket and Bentley Park (some of the earliest yellow crazy ant infestations detected). This is the first eradication of yellow crazy ants from the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area during the life of the Eradication Program, marking a major milestone.
The remaining area of infestation within the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area decreased down to 165 ha from 221.4ha in 2023.
Protecting the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area is the main goal of the Eradication Program. These results are demonstrating measurable progress to achieving that and supporting the Australian and Queensland Governments to fulfil their obligations under the World Heritage Convention.
