Published on 21 August 2026
Council’s Argentine Ant Eradication Program (AAEP) Team advises the community that aerial drone baiting operations will commence from the week starting Monday 17 August 2026, beginning in the Beefsteak area. All baiting operations are subject to favourable weather conditions.
Residents in the Beefsteak area should be aware that this work will be intermittent and ongoing over the next six months.
ZONE 26
Zone 26 covers 14.5 hectares at Beefsteak Valley, west of Longridge Road and east of Rocky Point Road, immediately south of the airport runway. The treatment area runs 652 metres north to south and 378 metres east to west.
View the Zone 26 map in this media release: AAEP Aerial Drone Baiting Commencing Media Release 21 Aug 2026.
The AAEP Team makes a genuine effort to notify residents ahead of scheduled baiting operations in particular zones through property letter drops. The team makes effort to directly contact known apiarists within the treatment area, to provide the opportunity to move or cover hives before work commences.
Property owners with concerns about bee hives, or with open water sources on their property such as bore openings, wells or waterways, are encouraged to contact the AAEP Team directly. For all concerns and questions, please contact Ben (Booda) Nobbs on 23353.
The AAEP Team will continue to keep the community informed when baiting operations are scheduled to commence in other areas around the island.
More information about Council's AAEP is available at: www.nirc.gov.au/Planning-Environment/Environment-Services/Environment/Argentine-Ants