Locust hatchings expected in Australia

by S. C.

Ministers from several State Governments met today with the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke to discuss the latest preparations ahead of expected locust hatchings in spring.

Ministers and their representatives were briefed on expected locust hatching times in various parts of the country and the priority areas for control which have been identified by the Australian Plague Locust Commission.

They were also briefed on purchases of locust control chemicals by the states and Commonwealth and the important role of landholders in monitoring and spraying locusts.

Mr Burke said it was critical that state and federal governments worked together effectively to provide a coordinated response to the outbreak.

“Authorities have been preparing and will continue working over winter to coordinate the response to these hatchings.

“An effective response in spring will depend on landholders and the state and Commonwealth governments continuing to work closely together,” Mr Burke said.

Australian Plague Locust Commissioner Chris Adriaansen outlined the restrictions on aerial control in more densely populated regions, with a ban on aerial pesticide use within 2km of a house or 5km of non-residential sites such as schools, to protect human safety.

In these areas, landholders must be vigilant in monitoring eggbeds and hatchings and carry out locust control where appropriate.

Mr Adriaansen told the meeting that more than 80% of locust hatchings were expected to survive to adulthood this spring, due to improved soil moisture.

Under normal conditions, only around 20% of locust hatchings reach adulthood.

Mr Adriaansen also warned that farmers would see locust swarms this spring even with the most effective locust control campaign, due to the high survival rates expected.

Significant hatchings are expected to start towards the end of August in north-west NSW and to reach north-western Victoria around the end of October.

Authorities are working together to develop a communications plan, to help ensure landholders understand their critical role in locust monitoring and control.