SOMERSET Regional Council is calling on the State Government to fund fire ant control that is now a local government responsibility.

Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said the Somerset community needs a State Government who will listen and act on the concerns of regional communities.

Late last month Council launched its 2024 State Government Advocacy Plan, ahead of the October elections, calling on the State Government to address six key challenges impacting the Somerset region.

Getting financial support from the State to manage fire arts at a local government level ranked third on a list of six key priorities for the region.

Mayor Wendt said State Government changes now made fighting fire ants on council owned land a local government responsibility, when previously it was a State responsibility.

Council is now required to conduct surveillance for fire ants on Council land (owned, leased or managed), conduct treatment (reactive and preventative) on council land and respond to public reports for fire ants on Council land in the recently defined Fire Ant Suppression Area.

“This additional task that local governments now have to undertake will cost ratepayers money and then there’s the additional resources we need to implement as well,” Cr Wendt said.

“The State Government’s Fire Ant Response Plan 2023-2027 requires resources beyond normal operations and that comes at a cost.

“It’s challenging for Somerset, in particular, because we are the largest local government area in South East Queensland with a population of about 26,000 residents.”

Cr Wendt said Council needed the State to invest a minimum of $300,000 annually for the next four years to support Somerset Regional Council in its fire ant fighting efforts.

“Fire ants pose a huge biosecurity risk to the entire country and an infestation would be detrimental to so many industries including agricultural production,” he said.

“It’s not something to be taken lightly and we do need to work together to fight these invasive super pests but we need the State Government to help fund the fight.”

Cr Wendt said Somerset needs a State Government who will invest in the region.

“We need a State Government who will commit to making changes for a stronger future that prioritises our community,” he said.

“It’s time the State Government listened.”

To find out more about the State Government Election Advocacy Roadmap Plan 2024 visit somerset.qld.gov.au/advocacy