Biosecurity officers near Queensland border can search cars and trucks for now-illegal ‘high-risk’ material that could contain red fire ants
Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our morning and afternoon news emails, free app or daily news podcast
Officers from Queensland’s agriculture department and the New South Wales department of primary industries have been given the power to stop and search cars and trucks to try to prevent the now-illegal transportation of “high-risk” materials that could contain red fire ants.
People who live in a designated zone in south-east Queensland who are caught moving materials including soil, hay and potted plants into NSW without a permit face fines of up to $1.1m, with penalties of up to $2.2m for companies.
Sign up for Guardian Australia’s free morning and afternoon email newsletters for your daily news roundup
More Stories
Internet shutdowns at record high in Africa as access ‘weaponised’
Residents warned to head for high ground as flood waters rise in wake of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred
Australia live news: flood evacuation warnings in NSW and Queensland as waters rise after ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred deluge