Fire Ant Biosecurity Zones Have Been Updated

Australia has been swarmed with pest issues over the last 12 months. Feral pigs, the fall armyworm and the infamous mouse plague, have wreaked havoc across Australia in recent times. One pest that we’ve become very familiar with since the early 2000s is the Fire Ant.

The first two incursions of fire ants were discovered in 2001 in Queensland, in the Port of Brisbane and the southwestern suburbs of Brisbane. The third and fourth fire ant incursions were detected in Yarwun, Central Queensland, in 2006 and 2013. The most recent incursion was detected in Brisbane Airport in 2015. Fire ants detected in the Port of Brisbane, Yarwun and Brisbane Airport were successfully eradicated. The initial infestation in Brisbane has spread to other areas within the greater Brisbane area, including Ipswich, Logan and Redlands.

Fire ants can spread without human interference, to an extent. This is through mating flights and budding. A queen, or mated female, can fly up to 5km. When this newly mated female finds an appropriate nesting site, she will shed her wings and start her new colony.

When it comes to human interference, we can spread fire ants by shipping infested nursery stock, shipping containers and other materials located in fire ant biosecurity zones and with machinery that has had contact with soil.

Originally, fire ants came from South America. They are native to the floodplains of the Paraguay River in Brazil, Paraguay and northern Argentina. They infested the southern United States during the 1930s, likely in soil used as ship ballast. Fire ant colonies have since continued their spread throughout the United States ever since.

When it comes to Queensland’s fire ant infestation, fire ants would have been unknowingly imported into Brisbane. While it is unknown how exactly they entered, it was possible via a shipping container from the US.

To prevent (and stop) the spread of fire ants, the Queensland government has put movement controls into place across certain parts of Queensland – these are referred to as fire ant biosecurity zones.

These fire ant biosecurity zones were recently updated in Queensland.

Fire ant biosecurity zone updates

The recent fire ant biosecurity zone updates came into effect on June 7, 2021. It now includes ten new suburbs which are in close proximity to affected areas to zone two. These suburbs include Fernvale, Fairney View, Josephville, Cryna, Kerry, Nindooinbah, Biddaddaba, Benobble, Canungra and Witheren.

It will also add 20 new or shifted suburbs which have been affected to zone one. These 20 new or shifted suburbs include Clarendon, Rifle Range, Lowood, Glamorgan Vale, Lark Hill, Marburg, Haigslea, Tallegalla, The Bluff, Ashwell, Lanefield, Rosewood, Thagoona, Ebenezer, Willowbank, Purga, Goolman, Lyons, South Ripley and Undullah.

How will these biosecurity zones limit the spread of fire ants?

Legal movement restrictions are in place in these biosecurity zones. These restrictions limit the spread of fire ants. Such movement can include movement of soil, straw or baled hay, mulch and animal manure. Any storage or movement of these materials needs to comply with the regulations outlined in the Biosecurity Regulation 2016.

To hinder the risk of fire ants spreading, any on-ground storage of these materials in fire ant zones must be on either bitumen or concrete (without any cracks) or a barrier that is impenetrable by fire ants on chemically treated compacted ground (not sand). When it comes to off-ground storage, straw and hay must be effectively covered with a barrier that ultimately deters all ants – including the flying queens.

What if you can’t comply with the procedures?

If you are unable to comply with the procedures, a biosecurity instrument permit (a type of movement permit) may be required.

If you need any more information regarding the recent movement restrictions and regulations, permits, guides and the chemical treatment of compacted ground or perimeters, refer to these websites:

If you see fire ants, you must notify the National Red Imported Fire Ant Eradication Program on 13 25 23. Alternatively, complete the online fire ant notification form. At Global Rotomoulding, we understand there are countless responsibilities farmers need to keep up with. We stock several high-quality agricultural products that maximise functionality and productivity. If you have any questions about our range, be sure to contact our helpful team today.

Megatrends Shaping Australian Agriculture

Research conducted by the ABARES and CSIRO has revealed five key ‘megatrends’ that are set to shape Australia’s food and fibre industries in the coming decades. These megatrends are predicted to pose influential opportunities and challenges for farmers, the government and the economy.  

The five megatrends have been identified as:

  1. Growth juggernaut: Three billion empowered consumers
  2. Fractal politics: Beware the dance of giants
  3. More from less: The permanent race for advantage
  4. Cascading planetary risks: Coming, ready or not
  5. Disruptive technologies: Opportunities for the brave.

Read on to understand the impact these megatrends are set to have on the Australian agricultural industry. 

1. Growth juggernaut: Three billion empowered consumers

Accelerated growth in emerging economies is expected to elevate incomes and economic capacity. With the rise in income, expectations are set to rise too. Now empowered and broadened middle class will demand high quality and a greater volume of food and fibre; emphasising more diverse diets and more protein. Greater emphasis is being placed on health, ethics and sustainability. 

This rising income is occurring primarily in emerging Asian economies: China, India and Indonesia are primary drivers of this accelerated growth. 

Empowered consumers will shape markets

The volume of people in high-income countries is expected to triple by early 2050. Average incomes across emerging Asia are projected to increase by about 150%, or 2.5 times 2015 levels by 2050. This will significantly contribute to global economic growth. However, shifts leaning towards greater protectionism appears likely in agriculture markets. This will risk slowing the rate of global growth. For Australian agriculture specifically, this megatrend risks reducing the extent of new trade opportunities for local exporters.  

Demand for high quality food will continue grow strongly

With rising incomes, comes rising expectations. Rising incomes in emerging economies will result in shifts in food demand. Instead of grains, rice and other starchy staples, emphasis will be placed on protein rich animal products, plant-based food products, fruits and vegetables. 

Consumer attitudes and expectations will continue to evolve

Emphasis will also be placed on foods that are perceived to be healthy, convenient, ethical and sustainable for the environment. While these shifts present opportunities for Australian agriculture, they also pose challenges. If Australian regulations and expectations do not align with those found in our key export markets, this may harm the Australian agricultural industry’s competitiveness and brand positioning.  

Key implications on Australian Agriculture

  • Rising incomes in Asia is expected to have a greater impact on export demand compared to increased global population. 
  • Potential environmental concerns concerning greenhouse gas emissions pose challenges for Australia’s livestock exports. These sustainability concerns have motivated Australia’s livestock industry to set a carbon neutral target for 2030.
  • Australia’s geography, institutions and natural endowments have us well-positioned to supply to international markets and capitalise on these changes. 

2. Fractal politics: Beware the dance of giants

The rise in multiple global powers will see changes in economic, military and cultural powers across the world. As nations place greater emphasis on their sovereignty, global trade and international relationships, as well as food and fibre markets and supply chains, will become more complex. 

Seven giants will pursue their individual interests

In the coming decades, geopolitics will continue to reflect the ‘dance of the giants’. 7 nations/regions account for between half to two-thirds of the world’s food production, energy, economic activity and extractions. 

This shift to a more multi-polar world may result in unstable geopolitics and economics. This will likely strain international cooperation.  

Volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity require improved cooperation, but make it more difficult

Volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity are anticipated to become more evident in future decades. Implications of this trend will occur across multiple domains. One particular implication is that cooperation between different groups across nations and the globe will likely become more difficult. 

Declining trust in evidence and institutions could amplify threats and weaken cooperation

Distrust in institutions, science and evidence are expected to worsen global cooperation efforts. The wide-ranging experiences that have taken place across the world as a result of COVID-19 illustrate the risk for political and cultural divides, but also the opportunity to foster bipartisan support for evidence-based approaches by government and business. 

Key implications for agriculture

  • Efficient market access and a committed effort to discourage protectionist policies will help  Australian agricultural exporters to realise the benefits of increasing global trade volumes.   
  • Australian exporters are set to face greater risks concerning consumer attitudes and market access in importing nations. 
  • Our local reputation for supplying high-quality, ethical, sustainable and nutritious products is likely to become more important in the coming decades. 

3. More from less: The permanent race for advantage

A commitment to ongoing innovation is crucial to ensuring profitable, sustainable and competitive food and fibre enterprises for Australian agriculture. Ongoing innovation will be the vehicle for better productivity and smarter use of energy, water, land, labour and materials. 

Despite the importance of innovation, the benefits will not be shared evenly. Often, innovation can worsen existing pressures placed on rural industries and regional communities.

Outputs up, inputs down

The Australian agricultural industry is heavily dependent on exports – around 70% of our production is exported, with fairly low levels of government support.  While net farm income has increased faster than output value, on-farm employment (which includes labour completed by farm owners) has dropped by 25% over the last thirty years. Gross value of agricultural production has increased by 26% and value-added by 74%. 

This spike in productivity can be largely attributed to increases in farm scale, improved genetics, and continuous innovation in management practices.

Improved yields will increase output volumes, but consumers may benefit more than producers

Consumer access to food supply has dramatically improved over the last 70 years. This trend is set to continue with improved management practices and continuous technological innovations.  

Social concerns will shape competitiveness

Reflecting increasing household incomes, many markets and countries are set to limit potentially certain technologies. For example, GMO food corps or certain livestock management practices will eventually be considered prohibited. While this may initially constrain productivity growth it will likely bring about greater environmental outcomes and new producer opportunities. 

Key implications for agriculture

  • Innovative farm management practices, technology and greater economic policy settings will play an important role in advancing agricultural productivity. 
  • The trend of fewer, larger farms is set to continue. This will facilitate greater productivity and support farm incomes. It will also contribute to a declining share of regional employment.  
  • Developing access to high value consumers will rely on industry and government efforts to ensure agricultural management practices stay aligned with consumer expectations. This can be illustrated from paddock to plate at relevant scales. 

4. Cascading planetary risks: Coming, ready or not

Advancements to earth systems at all scales are creating risks, challenges and opportunities. Already, agriculture has been impacted by this, and has started adapting. In future, client and commodity prices are expedited to become more volatile. On the other hand, emerging markets for carbon and ecosystem services may have the potential to transform business models.

Science suggests major challenges ahead

Evidence continues to show that current agricultural practices are causing multiple environmental problems. Despite large-scale shifts towards renewable energy sources, global greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise. However, ABARES modelling has explored potential scenarios for irrigated agriculture in the Murray Darling Basin. Plus, the ABARES is working on developing capabilities to assess potential future climate scenarios across various broadacre farms in Australia.   

Interactions and feedbacks often amplify risks

Greenhouse gas emissions across the globe are bringing the world closer to climate thresholds, which contributes to accelerated climate change, including rising sea levels and temperatures. These rising temperatures also risk longer and more destructive bushfire seasons. 

Reducing net emissions and protecting natural assets could benefit landholders

Regional communities and consumers will increasingly demand producers protect natural assets. This includes a commitment to maintaining healthy ecosystems, water quality and protecting species’ habitats. 

Key implications for agriculture

  • Profitable farming needs to merge with a sustainability-focused approach to maintain access to premium consumers. 
  • As a result of climate change, catastrophic events including fires, floods and droughts will become more severe. This will cause agricultural commodity prices and market access to become more volatile. 
  • Expected hotter and drier conditions will affect the profitability of agriculture. 

5. Disruptive technologies: Opportunities for the brave

Technological advancements are set to disrupt and influence how food and fibre products are manufactured, marketed and delivered. New skills and partnerships will be required as supply chains and customer engagements become more agile and interconnected.

Information-rich production systems will provide new levels of control, and accountability

The emergence of new technologies will significantly influence Australian agriculture. Connectivity across billions of devices, often referred to as the ‘Internet of Things (IoT)’, will transform supply chains in the future.  

Revolutionary connectivity will enable new types and levels of customer engagement

Supply chain management in agriculture will see real-time tracking of quantity, quality and unique characteristics of food and fibre products. 

Unlocking these opportunities will require new data sharing and governance

To ensure the benefits of digitisation are realised,  Australian agriculture needs to establish a new operating model focused on collaboration and information sharing.  

Key implications for agriculture

  • Strategic decision making and informed approaches to risk management will be essential tools for Australian farmers. 
  • Managing volatility in the future will rely on integrated and interconnected systems. 
  • Efficient use of data will influence access to capital, including equity investments in family farms.
  • Taking advantage of disruptive technologies will rely on new approaches to managing data and information. This will see new roles emerge in the private sector and in government, to facilitate a shared ecosystem. 

Global Rotomoulding has a strong relationship with Australia’s agricultural industry. These key trends identified by the ABARES and CSIRO are set to offer both positive and challenging outcomes for Australian farmers. Global Rotomoulding has been supporting the Australian agricultural industry through our extensive supply of leading agricultural equipment. Contact our friendly team to learn more today.  

5 Unconventional Crops You’ll Find Growing In Australia

Did you know that Australian farmers manage to produce enough food to feed 80 million people? The major commodities farmed in Australia include dairy, grains, meat, sugar, oilseeds, horticulture, cotton and wool. 

Although, due to the diverse and varied climate, farmers have been able to grow a range of unconventional crops across Australia. Read on for our round-up of 5 unconventional crops you’ll find growing in Australia. 

Lavender

Interest in growing lavender in Australia has substantially increased in recent years. While this crop is farmed in all states, major interest has occurred in Victoria and southern New South Wales. Lavender plantings are often used for aromatherapy purposes, teas, baking, and open gardens or nurseries. These lavender farms often serve as a tourist attraction, where visitors may indulge in a lavender scone or lavender tea. 

Saffron

Traditionally, there are three main uses of Saffron: a cooking spice, a powerful medicinal tool or as a dye. Saffron, being an incredibly labour-intensive crop, is the most expensive crop across the globe. To extract one kilogram of Saffron, the stigmas of nearly a quarter of a million flowers need to be handpicked, then dried and bottled. Currently, Iran is the world’s biggest producer of Saffron. Sensing an opportunity to replace imported produce, Tas-Saff has managed to become Australia’s most successful saffron producer.

Jojoba

This plant is grown for its oil, which is used widely within the cosmetic industry. It is native to the inhospitable parts of North America, such as the Sonoran desert. However, this hardy shrub has been growing throughout south-west and central NSW. Also, due to the plant’s salt tolerance, it has been farmed in parts of WA that are impacted by salinity.

Quinoa

Quinoa has become well known for its superfood qualities, especially in recent years where consumers have become more health-conscious. This wellness trend has seen more, and more Australians choose to pay premiums for health foods, like the grain quinoa. Australia’s quinoa industry has continued to develop in recent years, with crops based in northern Tasmania and the WA Wheatbelt. This salt-tolerant crop does not tolerate waterlogging well, but it can thrive on limited moisture.

Ginseng

Ginseng is a well known medicinal herb. It has many Chinese medicinal uses. It is used to boost immunity, reduce stress and relax muscles, while also working as a nourishing stimulant. With the increasing levels of health consciousness in consumers, some Australian farmers are capitalising on growing Ginseng. While the industry is still in it’s early stages, Australia is well-positioned to capture a share of the world market, with cropping now conducted across various regions in the eastern and southern states. 

The varied climatic conditions across Australia allow farmers to grow a range of unconventional crops. When it comes to managing an agricultural lifestyle and business, Global Rotomoulding has extensive experience. Our huge range of products; from water storage tanks to fertiliser tanks, help you get the job done, even if you’re investing your time in more obscure crops. Be sure to have a chat with our friendly team for more information.

How Poly Tanks Help During a National Pandemic

With panic buyers consistently raiding the shelves of supermarkets out of fear over the COVID-19 pandemic, we are once again reminded of the important role agriculture plays in the everyday lives of Australians. As we face a challenging health crisis, Australian’s are more aware than ever of the need for supermarket essentials and basic health foods.

Supermarket chains across the country are under extreme pressure to have their shelves stocked and restocked in this time of uncertainty, and it’s our responsibility as farmers and agriculturalists, to provide the stock. The good news is we have more than enough produce to keep up with the demand.

Queensland’s farmers are Australia’s leading supplier of fruit, vegetables and nuts, producing more than 120 different types of produce from various different growing regions stretching from Stanthorpe to Lakelands and everywhere in between. In fact, every winter, more than 90% of the fresh vegetables in major supermarkets across the country are grown in Queensland and we expect this winter will be no different.

The silver lining in all this chaos is that horticulturalists across the state are expecting their peak in production to align almost exactly with the peak in coronavirus cases, which means Australians will be well supplied with food throughout each and every step of this pandemic. What’s more, it’s exactly these kinds of fresh fruit and veggies that are enriched with vitamins and nutrition which are essential in building up our immune systems and health. Research has proven, beyond doubt, these kinds of foods are essential in fighting off all kinds of infection and disease.

Queensland has an absolutely vital role in helping our nation combat this health crisis. If we want to continue enjoying nutritious food and have it readily available, it’s crucial we support our horticulture industry in the coming months and ensure we have all of the necessary components for a very successful farming season.

As this coronavirus continues to sweep the nation and the globe, one of the best defences we can build is a healthy body and immune system. Ensure you are getting your daily dose of fruit, vegetables, and nuts to maintain nutrition levels and boost your immune system. We particularly recommend any citrus fruits, broccoli, garlic, ginger, spinach, and almonds.

Global Rotomoulding is proud to supply Australian farmers with Rainwater tanks, fertigation tanks and Spray tanks enabling them to deliver food in this time of need.
Global works with over 30 OEM’s making critical components to supply the agricultural industry.

Types of Products That Can Be Rotomoulded

Rotomoulding, or rotational moulding, is a method of manufacturing plastic products that are hollow.

The process is best known in the tank industry, but many manufacturers are also using the technology to make plastic products for a range of other industries. We take a look at some of the most innovative products that can be made through rotomoulding:

Medical products

A significant number of technological advancements have been made in the healthcare industry recently. There are many types of medical products which require hollow plastic parts, and rotomoulding offers a safe and reliable method for producing them. For example, the smaller components of complex medical devices, like surgical instruments and containers for dialysis machines, can be made through rotomoulding. Massage balls, foot baths, anatomical reproductions, storage for emergency equipment, wheelchair parts, and therapeutic aids can also be made with rotomoulding.

Furniture and home decor

New trends in the furniture and homewares industry are emerging as designers discover that molten plastic gives them the ability to create shapes and designs which simply could not be made with any other material. Rotomoulding also allows for the large-scale production of goods and homewares at a cheaper price. Some examples of rotomoulded furniture and decor pieces include: plastic stools, outdoor furniture, vases, lamps, bathtubs, sculptures, book shelves, and beds.

Automotive and marine

Rotomoulding is used for a wide range of products in the automotive and marine industry. For example, heating and air conditioning ducts, arm rests, sun visors, dashboards, small dinghies, jet ski parts, buoys, and life rings can all be made using this technique. Another advantage of using rotomoulding in the marine industry is that the products can be made using UV stabilised plastic for longer life spans and protection in even the harshest of marine conditions.

Agriculture

From cattle feeders to garden planters, fertiliser tanks, and pontoons, the possibilities for using rotomoulding in the agricultural industry are endless. Plastic is also easily transportable and weighs very little when compared to other agricultural products made out of metal or wood, which is an added bonus when you live on a farm and you need to drive long distances.

Material handling

Rotomoulded crates, eskies, and other storage containers are also great for transporting liquids, chemicals, fruits, vegetables and other fresh produce because they are made from non-toxic, BPA-free, food-grade plastic. They don’t rust or rot like metal or wood, and they’re odourless, splinter-free, easy to clean, and can resist most acids, salts, seawater and alkalis. Many companies also choose to transport their goods using rotomoulded products because their seamless one-piece design allows for a higher load-bearing capacity and good durability.

Waste

Managing waste can be a difficult process without the right equipment. The advantage of using rotomoulded plastic for products like port-a-loos, drop toilets, garbage bins, and septic tanks is that they are really easy to clean, and are able to withstand a large amount of wear and tear. They also minimise the risk of leaks and uncomfortable smells from leaching into the area.

Custom products

The best thing about rotomoulding is that, with innovative design and one mould, you can easily make all sorts of custom products and projects. From personalised kayaks to playgrounds, children’s toys, basketball hoops, pool stairs, wheelbarrows, chicken coops, garden sculptures, and more — if you can think it, you can probably make it with rotomoulding!

Curious about other products that can be rotomoulded? Or are you interested in manufacturing a product with rotomoulding? If you have a brilliant idea that you think will change the world call us today on 1800 666 333, or send us an enquiry online.