SYDNEY, July 26 (Xinhua) -- The burning problem of fire ant infestation is one step closer to a solution in Australia on Wednesday, as the government committed to an action package to stem the tide of these deadly creatures.
Agricultural ministers from across the country announced the 10-year 380 million Australian dollar (300 million U.S. dollar) action plan, hoping to put an end to the long running plague of red imported fire ants (RIFA) who have been sweeping across substantial tracts of rural Australia, causing millions of dollars in damage.
The new flow of funding was announced at the Agricultural Ministers Forum in Melbourne, and Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce said that he sees this new funding arrangement as a "successful outcome."
"Today's additional 10 year agreement by all governments is a successful outcome and commits an estimated further 380 million (Australian) dollars to the plan - or 411.4 million (Australian) dollars on an indexed basis, following 16 years of shared eradication and containment efforts," Joyce said.
Andrew Cox, chief executive officer of the Invasive Species Council, told Xinhua on Wednesday that fire ants are "one of the world's most invasive species."
"They impact on humans - because people could die from an allergic reaction - they have an impact on agriculture from loss of productivity and death of livestock, and also the environment, with a wide range of species potentially facing extinction," Cox said.
Cox also cautioned that maintaining high standards in biosecurity will play a crucial role in ensuring no further RIFA make their way into the country.
Previous to this latest announcement, over 150 million Australian dollars (118.46 million U.S. dollars) had been provided by the government towards containing, and eradicating fire ants in Australia.
