A nest of invasive fire ants has been found on a property in Tweed Heads, NSW, prompting calls for action to keep the spread from coming further south of the border.

The state government yesterday confirmed the “immature” nest had been destroyed.

Their team also undertook a survey of the immediate 500 metres surrounding the site to check for any other fire ant activity.

A genetic analysis has begun to determine the likely source of the pests, supported with tracing any movements of materials, and engaging with the landholder.

A new control order will be issued establishing a 5 km zone to restrict movement of high-risk materials and undertake any required steps to control and treat.

“This is a national biosecurity emergency unfolding right in front of us,” Invasive Species Council advocacy manager Reece Pianta said.

“We urgently need the Albanese government to step up, match Queensland’s $24 million suppression funding boost, and commit to the full ongoing eradication program.”

Pianta said any spread of fire ants from the current containment zone would devastate Australia’s agriculture and native fauna, as well as threaten public health.

“Fire ants are among the world’s worst invasive pests,” Pianta said.

“Their aggressive stings can trigger severe allergic reactions in humans, and they pose a serious threat to pets, livestock, native animals, and infrastructure.”

The NSW Farmers Association is also calling for a crackdown, with biosecurity committee chair Tony Hegarty saying the repeated detections of fire ants in the state pointed to a colossal biosecurity failure.

“We’re rapidly losing the battle from one pest to another here in NSW, and the way we’re going, fire ants could well be the next threat our government fails to control,” he said.

“Current biosecurity measures clearly aren’t doing the job, and while we’ve got $100 million in new biosecurity funding, this one pest alone could cost us $60 billion over the next 30 years.”