Continued Progress in Argentine Ants Eradication

Norfolk Island Regional Council thanks the Norfolk Island Community for its ongoing support in addressing the issue of Argentine Ants. This invasive and predatory ant species has significant detrimental impacts on our endemic flora and fauna and is a major focus for the Council’s Environment Team.

Council’s skilled Argentine Ant Eradication Team is busy carrying out assessments (mapping of Argentine Ants) across the island. Below is an update on activity in specific zones.

• Council is pleased to report that no evidence of Argentine Ants was identified in Zone 22. While further assessments are needed before the zone can be officially declared "Ant Free", this is a positive result.
• The Team has completed assessments in Zone 10. Ants are present in this zone, and Council is grateful for the co-operation of landholders in efforts to eradicate this highly invasive pest from the area.
• Ant activity remains high on the cliffs along the entire length of Zone 3. Council is working to get the cliffs treated as soon as possible.

To view a map of the zones, please see further below or visit the Argentine Ants page on Council’s website: www.nirc.gov.au/Planning-Environment/Environment-Services/Environment/Argentine-Ants. 

Council advises community members who are moving materials from within declared Argentine Ant Zones to contact the team beforehand. This allows the team to inspect and treat the material if required, helping to prevent further spread. 

The Argentine Ant Eradication Team also offers inspections of ants found on your private property to confirm their identity.  

For more information on the Argentine Ants Eradication Program, or to arrange an inspection of suspected ants on your property, please contact Customer Care at customercare@nirc.gov.nf or free call 0100 for assistance. 

This month, Council farewells Environment Team Leader, Douglas Donaldson, and thanks him for his service, wishing him well in his new role.