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Australia's unique ecosystems under threat from an invasive and deadly species – the red fire ant. The tiny ant native to South America, but has across the globe over the past century. It one of the world's most invasive creatures. It extensive damage to crops and agricultural land. It also large numbers of indigenous insects and other animals, including livestock. The ant's painful and venomous sting can severe allergic reactions in humans. It can also fatal anaphylactic shock. A spokeswoman for the Minister for Agriculture the fire ants "a terrible invasive super-pest, which serious social, economic and environmental harm".

Red fire ants were first in Australia in 2001. They have largely been within the state of Queensland since then. However, Australia's Invasive Species Council (ISC) says the ants are across the country on flood waters. They are to each other in their tens of thousands to "rafts" on the storm water. An ISC statement said: "Fire ants are more active before or after rainfall and can large floating rafts, which with water currents to footholds in new areas." It added: "Our teams are on limiting further spread." The ISC warned that the fire ants will reach "every corner of Australia" if the current outbreak is not in check.