Northern Rivers Local News
Keeping fire ants front of mind in Northern Rivers
Keeping fire ants front of mind in Northern Rivers
Residents in the Northern Rivers can meet with experts this week to learn more about the invasive pests’ potential impact on NSW communities, environment, and economy.
The National Fire Ant Eradication Program will be touring the local area over the course of the week commencing 26 February, allowing Northern Rivers community and businesses a chance to learn about what fire ants look like, what to do if they’re spotted and how to prevent any further fire ant spread.
Residents can drop in and chat with fire ant experts at the following locations:
Tuesday, 27 February:
9am – 4pm at Bunnings Lismore
9am – 12pm at Alstonville Main Street
Wednesday, 28 February:
9am – 12pm at Suffolk Park SPAR
9am – 12pm at Ocean Village Shopping Centre
1 – 4 pm at Bunnings Byron Bay
1 – 4 pm at Woolworths Mullumbimby
Thursday, 29 February:
9 – 11 am at Byron Bay Farmers Markets
1 – 4 pm at Kingscliff Shopping Village
1 – 4 pm at IGA Pottsville
Friday, 1 March:
9am – 12 pm at Tweed City Shopping Centre
9am – 12 pm at Banora Central Shopping Centre
1 – 4 pm at Bunnings Tweed Heads
1 – 4 pm at Tweed Mall Shopping Centre
Following the destruction of detected nests within 24 hours of being called in, the NSW Government continues to actively work to eradicate fire ants following two recent isolated detections of the pest in South Murwillumbah and Wardell.
The response works in partnership with the National Fire Ant Eradication Program, who are responsible for the ongoing treatment and surveillance of fire ant movement control areas.
In South Murwillumbah, the program will be strategically baiting around the infested premises, whether fire ants are visible or not, ensures that no undetected fire ants exist.
Residents and businesses in the area are encouraged to authorise fire ant teams to enter the outdoor areas of their property by completing a consent form online at www.fireants.org.au.
Treatment is safe for people and animals and is approved by the Australian Pesticide and Veterinary Medicines Authority, containing the same active ingredients commonly found in household and agricultural pest control products, but at a much lower concentration.
In Wardell, surveillance continues to focus on the initial 500m zone as well as strategic surveillance at targeted sites.
The Northern Rivers community is continuing their vigilance in looking out for fire ants, with 561 calls to the NSW Biosecurity Hotline on 1800 680 244 or reporting online at www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fire-ants, as well as more than 1500 visits to drop-in centres and community meetings over the last few months.The National Fire Ant Eradication Program’s fire ant display of sterile female ants is transported in a completely sealed box with a permit under the Biosecurity Act 2015.
Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty:
“The NSW Government is continually reminding our communities to keep on the look-out for fire ants.
“We’ve proven that when fire ants are detected in NSW, we will respond quickly to stamp them out as soon as possible, and it’s thanks to the thousands of sets of eyes that report in suspected sightings.
“Fire ants don’t march into NSW they are carried, due to the movement of fire ant carrier materials such as soil, mulch, hay and turf.
“Biosecurity is everyone’s responsibility, so it’s critical that businesses moving these types of materials comply with the Biosecurity (Fire Ant) Emergency Order.”
Ashley Bacon, National Fire Ant Eradication Program:
“Protecting Australia from the devastating impacts of fire ants is a national priority.
“Fire ants can have devastating consequences on our environment, economy, human health and way of life.
“If your property is in our planned treatment area, our teams – authorised under the Biosecurity Act 2015 (NSW) need your consent to access your property.
“To eradicate fire ants, we must treat 100% of all properties in our target area, whether fire ants are visible or not.”
Private Health Insurance Costs Under Scrutiny as Premiums and Profits Soar
Recent data analysis has spotlighted a concerning trend in the private health insurance sector, prompting a significant outcry for a comprehensive review. A surge in premiums has been linked not just to rising healthcare costs but also to an increase in insurer profits and management expenses, igniting a fierce debate between health professionals and insurance providers. Rising health insurance premiums
A study by the Australian Medical Association (AMA) reveals that while net insurance profits soared by over 50% from June 2019 to June 2023, patient rebates only saw a modest rise of 3.6%. This discrepancy raises questions about the allocation of premium dollars, suggesting that a substantial portion is diverted towards enhancing profit margins and covering operational costs, rather than directly benefiting policyholders through medical treatments or hospital care.
The findings have fuelled a dispute highlighted in a recent ABC Four Corners report, which accused some providers of overcharging for medical procedures, a claim refuted by the insurers but supported by insider revelations. The AMA has criticized the private health sector for not meeting the expected standards of financial management and transparency, suggesting that premiums are increasingly used to cover costs unrelated to patient care. Rising health insurance premiums
In defence, industry representatives like Dr. Rachel David, CEO of Private Health Australia, argue that management expenses are rigorously monitored and justified, attributing rising costs to broader economic inflation affecting all sectors. However, this assertion does little to pacify concerns about the disproportionate growth in profits and administrative expenses compared to the relatively stagnant increase in patient benefits.
The debate extends to the efficiency of fund utilization, with the AMA advocating for insurers to return at least 90 cents per dollar of premiums to policyholders, a standard that currently stands at about 86 cents, significantly higher than general insurance returns but below the proposed benchmark.
Amidst these escalating tensions and conflicting reports, National Seniors Australia has called on the Federal Government to assign the Productivity Commission the task of conducting an in-depth inquiry. This investigation would scrutinize the continual rise in private health insurance premiums and out-of-pocket expenses, assess the value and scope of coverage, and propose necessary reforms to curtail costs and enhance service value, particularly for older Australians.
The proposed comprehensive review aims to halt the relentless cycle of premium hikes and restricted coverage that plagues policyholders, ensuring a fair, transparent, and efficient system that prioritizes patient care over profit. As stakeholders brace for a potential overhaul, the spotlight remains firmly on the need for a balanced and equitable approach to healthcare funding.
Supporters and concerned policyholders are encouraged to join the advocacy efforts by participating in National Seniors or contributing to the Health Costs campaign, as stakeholders push for a resolution that could redefine the landscape of private health insurance in Australia.
The Northern Rivers Times Newspaper Edition 199
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