"Our fire ant fighters have finally been given the war chest they need to eradicate deadly fire ants from Australia," Invasive Species Council CEO Andrew Cox said.

"This will be one of the largest biosecurity operations ever undertaken in Australia.

“It will be a long, hard fight, but is essential if we are to keep the country safe from the ravages of fire ants."

Fire ants are a serious environmental, human and agricultural pest in Australia.

“If not eradicated they will have a greater impact on Australia than rabbits, cane toads, foxes, camels, wild dogs and feral cats combined, costing more than $1 billion each year,” Mr Cox said.

Mr Cox acknowledged the leadership shown in securing the decision at a meeting of agriculture ministers from across the country, particularly the role played by Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce.

“This is a huge achievement and shows a clear resolve from all governments and political parties,” he said.

The ministers supported:

“Now that proper funding has been secured, we will be focused on ensuring improved oversight and governance of the program to make sure the funds are well spent,” Mr Cox said.

This decision is backed by an independent expert report commissioned over two years ago.

The report concluded that fire ant eradication is technically feasible, and in Australia’s interest.

It also outlined both the risks of not eradicating and the costs of a full fire ant eradication program.

In addition, the ministers’ Melbourne meeting welcomed a report calling for a strengthened Intergovernmental Agreement of Biosecurity (IGAB) – which is basically a key framework for preventing and responding to future biosecurity breaches, like the fire ant infestation.

“Prevention and early rapid response is the most cost effective way to handle biosecurity breaches and stop the next fire ant before it becomes a billion-dollar problem,” Mr Cox said.