RLPBs working with farmers to fight locusts

Rural Lands Protection Boards (RLPBs) are offering help to landholders who are finding it difficult to manage and treat locusts on their property.

With more than 1750 reports of locust activity made to date across the state and an extremely narrow window of effective control, boards are offering assistance to minimise damage to property and locusts spreading to neighbouring areas.

State Council of RLPBs Pest Animal and Insect Manager, Tim Seears, said that if farmers were struggling to spray locusts before they take flight then they should contact their local RLPB.

“If farmers feel that that the number of locusts on their property is beyond their capabilities to effectively control then they should ring their local board. Staff will come out to provide advice and help coordinate the best course of action.

“Each request will be assessed on an individual basis and resources allocated according to areas with the greatest need,” Tim Seears said.

Locust reports continue to increase across the Forbes, Narrandera, Murray, Young, Gundagai, Condobolin, Hume and Riverina board districts with the majority of activity around the Wagga Wagga region.

“Thankfully farmers are doing the right thing and reporting and treating locusts as required with aerial surveillance only detecting activity and hotspots in areas that we had previously been alerted to.

“However reporting remains absolutely crucial with some of the fringe areas around the Molong, Dubbo, Nyngan and Hume boards now seeing early stage activity.

“In areas where the density of locust activity is not at a level where chemical will be issued it is still vital that we know about these locations so we can monitor them and forecast more accurately throughout the summer months.

“Variations in weather conditions across the state, particularly in late September and early October, has also impacted upon the timing of hatchings.

“Farmers who detected early activity are being urged to remain vigilant as some properties may experience a later round of hatchings and locust migration.

For further information, to report locust activity, to obtain chemical or to seek assistance contact your local Rural Lands Protection Board.

MEDIA CONTACT: Kelly Ingham (02) 6391 3242 Mob 0428 465 378