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As fire ants continue their relentless march across south-east Queensland, a biological control expert from the United States warns Australia's eradication plan is under threat.

A proposed goldmine in WA will bring with it hundreds of jobs, but conservation groups are concerned about the impact it will have on the endangered Carnaby's black cockatoo population.

A Derwent Valley farmer says he's surprised at a quote he has received from TasNetworks to connect his strawberry farm to the state power grid.

Southern Cross University provides research funding to a conspiracy theorist who has wrongly claimed fire ant bait causes ADHD, autism, and low fertility in humans.

The cost of a widespread fire ant outbreak could cost the Australian economy two billion dollars each year,  according to the Invasive Species Council.

From the devastation of the agricultural sector to increased risk of anaphylaxis-related deaths, the threat of these tiny insects is daunting.

And yet, the Invasive Species Council says Australia is not responding urgently enough.

• Guest: David Littleproud, Leader of The Nationals and Shadow Minister for Agriculture
• Producer: Grace Stranger

China doesn't want to kick up too much dust as it presents a friendlier face to the major US allies in this region: Australia, Japan and South Korea.