RED IMPORTED FIRE ANTS DETECTED AT SYDNEY INTERMODAL FACILITY Industry Alert - Heightened Vigilance Required

Wednesday, October 14, 2026

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Who does this notice affect?

Importers, exporters, customs brokers, freight forwarders and logistics providers.

RED IMPORTED FIRE ANTS DETECTED AT SYDNEY INTERMODAL FACILITY

Industry Alert - Heightened Vigilance Required

Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) and the Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) have been advised of a significant biosecurity response following the detection of a Red Imported Fire Ant (RIFA) nest at the Enfield Intermodal Logistics Centre in Sydney's inner west.

According to advice from both the NSW Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) the nest was detected through routine surveillance activities undertaken by DAFF on 23 September 2026t. Following identification of fire ants in a monitoring lure, a nest was located and treated. Specialist detection dog teams have since undertaken surveillance of the site and surrounding area, with no additional nests located.

Importantly, genetic analysis undertaken by the Queensland National Fire Ant Eradication Program has confirmed that the ants did not originate from the South East Queensland infestation, which remains Australia's only active established fire ant infestation. Authorities have indicated that the ants are likely to have arrived via an overseas container pathway.

What happens next?

Authorities have established an Incident Management Team and commenced a comprehensive response.

The immediate focus will be:
  • inspections and treatment activities within a 500-metre radius of the site;
  • surveillance and treatment activities across a broader 2km radius;
  • engagement with local businesses and the community;
  • implementation of a Biosecurity Control Order following initial community consultation; and
  • targeted engagement with businesses involved in the movement of potential carrier materials.
Businesses dealing with soil, turf, landscaping products, building materials, vegetation and other known fire ant carrier materials are expected to be a particular focus of government engagement activities.

Why this matters 

While this detection has occurred at an intermodal logistics facility, the broader significance is the apparent overseas pathway through which the ants entered Australia. Authorities have indicated that the incursion is likely to have originated via an imported container.

RIFA are regarded as one of the world's most damaging invasive species and can have significant impacts on agriculture, transport and logistics operations, infrastructure, human health and the broader economy. Australia has maintained a nationally coordinated eradication program since fire ants were first detected near Port of Brisbane in 2001.

Members may also recall the successful eradication of a previous NSW incursion detected in the Port Botany precinct in 2014. NSW authorities have indicated that eradication remains achievable and have cited that earlier response as evidence that rapid detection and intervention can be effective.

What should members do?

At this stage, no specific action is required for most supply chain participants.

However, FTA/APSA encourages members to:
  • remain vigilant when handling imported containers and cargo;
  • ensure staff are aware of the potential presence of fire ants and their nests;
  • follow any directions issued by DAFF, NSW authorities or the National Fire Ant Eradication Program;
  • report any suspected detections immediately.
Government advice remains:
  • LEAVE IT – do not disturb or treat the nest;
  • SNAP IT – safely photograph or record the ants;
  • CALL IT – report the sighting via the dedicated hotline on 1800 680 244.
FTA/APSA will continue monitoring developments and will provide updates should any operational or compliance requirements emerge for members.

Sal Milici - Licensed Customs Broker
General Manager Trade Policy & Operations - FTA / APSA

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