Published on 14 September 2026
Council’s Argentine Ant Eradication Program (AAEP) Team advises the community that aerial drone baiting operations and ground baiting will commence from the week starting Monday, 14 September 2026, in Zone 9, Ball Bay Reserve front and adjacent roadways. All baiting operations are subject to favourable weather conditions.
Residents in Martin’s Road and Bucks Point should be aware that this work will be intermittent and ongoing over the next six months.
ZONE 9
Zone 9 covers 23.5 hectares at Ball Bay Reserve, south of Martins Road and north of Ball Bay. The treatment area runs 1,366 metres east to west and 390 metres north to south.
See the map of Zone 9 in this media release: 11 Sep 2026 Media Release AAEP Drone Baiting (Ball Bay)
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