The Public Service Association (PSA) has joined the chorus to allocate more resources to combat the spread of fire ants throughout the state.

Fire ants have been found in the Enfield rail yards.

The ants, particularly the invasive red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta), are a serious environmental and agricultural threat in Australia.

Originally from South America, they were first detected in Australia at the Port of Brisbane, Queensland, in 2001, likely arriving through international shipping.

Since then, they have spread across parts of south-east Queensland, forming colonies in urban areas, farmland, parks and natural environments. Fire ants reproduce rapidly, establish large colonies and can spread through the movement of soil, plants, mulch and other materials containing ants or queens. Their painful stings can cause allergic reactions in humans and harm pets and livestock. They also prey on native insects, small animals and ground-nesting wildlife, potentially disrupting ecosystems and reducing biodiversity.

“Our members can eliminate these pests from the state, so long as they are properly resourced,” said PSA General Secretary Stewart Little.

“This is not a time to be holding money back. The NSW Government needs to take this issue seriously.”