Fire ants detected at central Queensland Broadmeadow Coal Mine
The National Fire Ant Eradication Program confirmed the ants were identified at the Broadmeadow Coal Mine site on Wednesday.
Program officers have already been to the site and destroyed nests.
The ants are an invasive pest capable of causing serious economic and environmental damage and are a serious health risk to humans.
The Invasive Species Council called for an urgent review into the fire ant program, warning large parts of Australia were at risk of infestations if action was not taken.
The council's chief executive, Jack Gough, said he was "very angry" hearing of the outbreak.
"It reflects something that we've been telling governments for two years would happen," he said.
"We are condemning Australia to a future of fire ants.
Mr Gough said the detection, about 800 kilometres from a known site, meant the density of fire ants in south-east Queensland was too high and it was reaching levels seen in the United States.
"It's similar to what you see in Texas where they've got an out-of-control outbreak," Mr Gough said.
"The chance of fire ants slipping through the gaps and getting into new areas is inevitable."
Mr Gough said that if fire ants spread through Australia, it would have a $2 billion economic impact and cause harm to people, native animals and livestock.
Originally from South America, fire ants have aggressive temperaments and painful stings.
Mr Gough said at least $24 million in funding was needed to suppress fire ants.
National Fire Ant Eradication Program director Michael Homden said he was working closely with the mine to contain, treat and eradicate the pests quickly.
"This detection is a strong reminder that community and industry vigilance can, and does, stop the spread of fire ants," Mr Homden said.
Officers are expected to continue eradication actions in the impacted area with increased surveillance.
Genetic testing and tracing is also underway to determine how the pests came to be at the mine site.
Broadmeadow Mine is a joint venture between BHP and Mitsubishi Development (BMA).
A BMA spokesperson said keeping staff and the community safe was its top priority, and it would continue to work with the fire ant program.
Queensland Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett said he was concerned about the outbreak.
Mr Perrett said further information would be provided as the investigation took place.
The ABC has contacted the Federal Department of Agriculture for comment.
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