Darling Downs Environment Council

The Fire Ant Threat

Guest speaker: Reece Pianta, Invasive Species Council 

About the presentation:

The sports ground is closed. The playground is not open to the public. Our BBQ has been cancelled. We found fire ants (Solenopsis invicta).

This will be the new Australian experience if fire ants continue to breach containment and spread across Australia.

Invasive Species Council advocacy manager Reece Pianta will describe the fire ant threat which could be a multi-billion dollar hit to Australia’s economy. Fire ants are three times more venomous than other stinging insects and their attacks can be fatal. Overseas, fire ants are causing agricultural land to become unviable. These invaders are creeping further inland, threatening the Australian lifestyle and environment. Iconic species like the koala, echidna and platypus are vulnerable to fire ant attack. The Invasive Species Council has advocated for fire ant action over the past twenty years – now is our crucial last chance to avoid a fire ant future. Come and learn how concerned we should be about this threat and what can be done now, before it is too late.

Bio

Reece is an experienced public policy campaigner in government and non-government roles.

Previously, Reece worked with the Invasive Species Council on the successful campaign for a 10-year red fire ant eradication program. He was also involved in the early formation of Yellow Crazy Ant eradication efforts in the Townsville area.

Visits to infestation areas in Cairns and Townsville and living in the Brisbane fire ant biosecurity zone left a deep appreciation of the mounting impacts that little invaders have on every aspect of life.

Previously, Reece worked as a Ministerial Advisor on renewable energy in Queensland, on communications and campaigns at the Queensland National Parks Association, and with local members of parliament and candidates for public office at every level.

Reece holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Central Queensland University.

He works in Brisbane on the land of the Gubbi Gubbi and Turrbal people.