Queensland and NSW authorities given stop and search powers to halt red fire ant infestation

Biosecurity officers near Queensland border can search cars and trucks for now-illegal high-risk' material that could contain red fire ants

• Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates
• Get our morning and afternoon news emails, free app or daily news podcast

Officers from Queensland's agriculture department and the New South Wales department of primary industries have been given the power to stop and search cars and trucks to try to prevent the now-illegal transportation of high-risk" materials that could contain red fire ants.

People who live in a designated zone in south-east Queensland who are caught moving materials including soil, hay and potted plants into NSW without a permit face fines of up to $1.1m, with penalties of up to $2.2m for companies.

Sign up for Guardian Australia's free morning and afternoon email newsletters for your daily news roundup