Landholders praised for locust vigilance

Central West Livestock Health and Pest Authority rangers have praised landholders for their vigilance in monitoring and reporting locust activity in the region.

"The conscientious response by landholders is to be commended," said Central West LHPA senior ranger Lisa Thomas.

"A huge proportion of work is being done by landholders and our rangers who are working with them are very impressed with their vigilance in looking for activity and reporting and sightings to the LHPA."

"People listened to the advice on monitoring at the locust information meetings we held during September and many set up monitoring sites on their properties, which allowed them to be right on top of locust hatchings," Ms Thomas said.

Although cooler weather had slowed hatchings in many areas, landholders were still keeping a close watch on locusts.

Locusts have hatched around Nyngan, Trangie and Girilambone, Hermidale, Trangie, Peak Hill, Wellington and Yeoval areas with landholders spraying in the areas around Nyngan where banding has occurred. Aerial surveillance is under way in the areas of Nyngan, Trangie, Dandaloo, Tottenham and Peak Hill to identify targets and possible other treatment areas.

Ms Thomas reminded landholders that the optimum time for ground chemical control was two weeks after they hatch, during the banding stage.

"This is why we need all landholders to continue to monitor their properties and immediately report any egg beds, hatchings or banding locusts to their local ranger."

Ms Thomas said it was particularly pleasing to see how landholders on large properties had planned for the locust season to ensure monitoring still occurred despite the vast areas. "In most area neighbours are talking among themselves, working together and keeping each other and us informed of any developments."

Media contact: Kylie Dunn 6391 3720 / 0428 465 378