A group of concerned Kuranda residents are determined to tackle the yellow crazy ant infestation in Russett Park and are coming together to form a community taskforce.

The 27ha infestation was first detected in December 2013. Since then, residents have watched yellow crazy ants rapidly spread through rainforest and backyards, killing and displacing native fauna.

The Russett Park infestation is one of two yellow crazy ant infestations that adjoin the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area with the other, larger infestation, located south of Cairns.

The Wet Tropics Management Authority will provide training and support to the community taskforce through its Yellow Crazy Ant Eradication Program.

Taskforce members will be trained in yellow crazy ant identification, how to conduct ground treatments, monitoring and data recording

Through its current funding arrangements, the Wet Tropics Management Authority will fund treatment of the Russett Park area until late 2016.

Media are invited to attend a meeting of community taskforce members, local councillors, politicians and Wet Tropics staff to be held on:

When: Monday 25 May

11am – 1pm

Where: 84 Cadagi Drive, Russett Park

Who:

• Wet Tropics Management Authority executive director Scott Buchanan,
• Russett Park residents Mikhaila Jacoby and Paul Devine
• Envirocare members Ray Pierce, Sylvia Conway and Margaret Zehntner
• Member for Barron River Craig Crawford
• Noeline Ikin representing Senator Canavan
• Wet Tropics Management Authority Yellow Crazy Ant Eradication Team.