Winslow continues to focus on protecting and enhancing the environments in which we work and reinforces our commitment to responsible environmental management and sustainable construction practices.
Winslow Queensland’s Environmental team recently held Fire Ant Training Toolboxes in response to an increase in fire ant activity across several Southeast Queensland sites, particularly in the Ipswich area, including South Place, Walloon and White Rock.
The initiative followed the discovery of the first fire ant nests at our Walloon project, where the toolbox was held, in early May.
By identifying, treating and reporting fire ant infestations, Winslow Queensland is helping to safeguard native ecosystems, reduce the spread of invasive species and minimise environmental impacts across our project sites.
In accordance with our biosecurity obligations, the nests were immediately treated and reported. As more nests were identified, the Walloon team continued to effectively manage the outbreak, making the site an ideal location for Winslow's first official fire ant training session with the Fire Ant Queensland team.
Fire ants are a growing biosecurity concern across Southeast Queensland, and Winslow is legally required to treat and report any nests found on site.
The toolbox talk focused on helping our teams correctly identify fire ants and understand the appropriate treatment and reporting processes.
By building this knowledge across our workforce, we can improve early detection and help prevent the spread of fire ants between sites and throughout the region.
Originally from South America, fire ants are highly adaptable to Queensland's climate and pose significant risks to people, pets, wildlife and infrastructure. Their painful stings can cause severe allergic reactions, including anaphylactic shock, while bites may remain painful for up to two weeks.
Fire ants also disrupt ecosystems and threaten native species.
For the construction industry, fire ants can damage telecommunications infrastructure, affect roads and maintenance activities, increase urban development costs and impact critical facilities such as airports.
Through ongoing training, awareness and proactive treatment, Winslow teams are playing an important role in protecting our projects, our people and the wider Queensland community from the growing threat of fire ants.