Locust reporting critical say RLPBs
The number of unexpected locust hatchings over the past week has highlighted how critical it is that landholders immediately report locust activity to their local Rural Lands Protection Board (RLPB).
More than 270 reports of hatchings in central and southern NSW have been received since the end of September but recent bands of locusts stretching more than one kilometre across parts of the central and southern slopes have emerged with little or no warning.
State Council Pest Animal Manager, Tim Seears, said in some of the worst affected areas the bands were detected by aerial surveillance rather than reports from landholders.
“RLPB rangers have been conducting inspections and surveys in recent months to help determine where and how many locust hatchings may occur but have also had to rely heavily on information from landholders.
“We are aware of more than 1000 properties in the Forbes, Wagga Wagga, Hume, Narrandera, Murray, Young, Gundagai, Condobolin and Riverina board districts where we suspect locusts may have laid egg beds.
“Some of these larger than expected hatchings and the way in which they were detected has indicated that more reports from landholders should have been received.
“If landholders are not looking and not reporting then we don’t have the most accurate picture of what to expect and how to respond as quickly and as effectively as possible.
“We appreciate that young locusts can sometimes be hard to spot so please monitor your property particularly crops and pastures very carefully.
“Many farmers are hoping for their best crop in years and although the vast majority are reporting and preparing to treat locust activity, the success of these crops could be jeapardised by just a few failing to inform us and commit to effective control.
“There is only a small window of opportunity for landholders to effectively spray young locusts after they have banded together but before they take flight,” Tim Seears said.
RLPBs are on hand to provide help and advice and distribute chemical free of charge provided locust activity meets certain criteria. Boards are also working closely with the Department of Primary Industries and Australian Plague Locust Commission to ensure a coordinated effort.
Landholders are reminded that it is a requirement under the Rural Lands Protection Act to report all locust activity no matter how small or insignificant to their local board and to carry out appropriate control measures on their property.
Further information is available at www.rlpb.org.au and www.dpi.nsw.gov.au or contact your local Rural Lands Protection Board.
MEDIA CONTACT: Kelly Ingham (02) 6391 3242 Mob 0428 465 378