High alert for plague locusts:

Plague locusts could be sweeping parts of NSW within weeks if landholders fail to search for and control the pest on-farm, Minister for Primary Industries, Steve Whan, said.

“Widespread rain across NSW has created a situation where we could be facing an explosion in plague locust numbers in autumn,” Minister Whan said. “Hot, dry summer conditions initially reduced locust activity, however, good falls of rain over much of inland NSW since Christmas has enabled surviving locust populations to quickly recover on fresh pasture growth.

“Even though pastures are recovering and locusts are causing little apparent damage, farmers cannot afford to be complacent.”

Known locust hotspots:

• Large numbers of locusts in many parts of the north-west and far west where good rains fell, such as the Walgett, Brewarinna, Bourke, Louth, Tibooburra, Wanaaring, White Cliffs, Wilcannia and Menindee districts.

• Significant numbers are also present around Nyngan, Condobolin, Tullamore, Ivanhoe, West Wyalong, Ungarie, Coolamon, Griffith, Hay and Balranald.

“Unless steps are taken now by landholders to look for locusts and report any activity, locusts could pose a major threat in autumn to pastures, emerging winter crops and maturing summer crops.

“Without immediate action by landholders there is also the very real prospect that next spring we could be facing a major locust plague. “I urge all rural landholders to be on the lookout for plague locusts and report any signs of immature locusts on the ground, moving swarms, or egg laying to their local Livestock Health and Pest Authority (LHPA).”

Mr Whan said few locusts were being reported, but surveys were showing that significant numbers of plague locusts in all stages of the lifecycle were present in many inland areas.

“In particular, many swarms are carrying or laying eggs, with hatching predicted to occur during February and March,” he said. “Banding locusts are expected from the end of February and into mid-March, which is an optimal time for ground control.”