Argentine Ant Eradication program update

Argentine Ant Eradication Program team (AAEP team) honoured at the 2025 Australian Biosecurity Awards

Norfolk Island Regional Council (NIRC) is proud to announce that the AAEP team has been recognised at the 2025 Australian Biosecurity Awards, winning the Government category.

This award highlights the team’s outstanding contributions to protecting biosecurity, and reflects the dedication and hard work of the team.

Presented during the National Biosecurity Forum held on 5 November in Canberra, the award was accepted by Doug Donaldson on behalf of the team.

Acting General Manager, MR Scott Hackney, congratulated the team, saying:

“Congratulations to the team on winning the Government category at the Biosecurity awards. The award is a commendable achievement! I extend thanks to all the staff involved, the community and the Commonwealth who provides a significant contribution for the funding for this important program.”

The Australian Biosecurity Awards celebrates those who go above and beyond to protect our environment, agriculture and communities.

No mainland jurisdiction has eradicated Argentine Ants from an area as large or as complex as Norfolk Island.

Winning this award is not only a recognition of the AAEP team, but of the entire community. As a program so community‑focused, run, supported, and trusted, the success belongs to the people of the island. Without the community's ongoing support and involvement, the program would not have achieved the impact it has today.

NIRC extends our thanks to the community, whose commitment ensures that we will continue to protect and preserve the island’s unique environment.

Overall AAEP Update

The AAEP has made positive inroads into the control and eradication of Argentine ants on the island, however it is recognised that a strong and targeted approach is needed while eradication is still possible.

As of September 2025, the ant has been declared eradicated from six entire zones, and from substantial parts of the partial extent of other zones, with a combined area of 102 ha. This is the equivalent of all other eradications of this species in the world combined using baits. The ant is currently undergoing treatment and post-treatment assessments throughout 230 ha and remains unmanaged in over 206 ha due to financial constraints.

Additional resources will be required moving forward. An estimated $5 million over four (4) years has been identified as the minimum required to continue the positive work being undertaken for this pest species, which has the potential to severely damage the unique ecosystems, and species of native animals and bird life that are endemic to or populate Norfolk Island.

The potential for damage caused by Argentine Ants to the Norfolk Island’s unique wildlife and landscape is concerning and the continuation of a program that focuses on eradication rather than control is extremely important.