NSW at ‘extreme risk’ of fire ant invasion after nest discovered 5.5km from border

Federal agriculture minister says additional effort' needed after new infestation found on the Gold Coast

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The discovery of a nest of red fire ants just 5.5km from New South Wales' northern border has prompted calls for urgent action to stop the spread of the destructive invasive insect.

The nest, found at Tallebudgera on the Gold Coast, is the farthest south the pest has been detected, prompting accusations that governments have been dragging their feet on properly funding eradication programs.

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