News

Worst locust plagues on record

Western farmers urged to fight one of worst locust plagues on record
Source: Mark Coulton, MP -

Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton has called an emergency meeting in Trangie next week to open the lines of communication between landholders and the relevant industry bodies ahead of what is predicted to be one of the worst locust plagues on record this spring.

A combination of warm and wet weather earlier this year has resulted in record egg laying and created the conditions for a “perfect storm” when the locusts hatch and swarm in a few months.

It is expected that the first locusts will hatch at the end of winter, with central NSW expected to be the worst-hit area.

Mr Coulton said the public meeting – which will be held at the Trangie Bowling Club at 4.30pm on Monday August 2nd – will give farmers the opportunity to hear from industry representatives about the plague and what they can do to prepare for it.

“At a time when many farmers are preparing what is expected to be one of the best crops in many, many years, it is extremely concerning that this severe locust outbreak now poses a severe threat,” he said.

“There are potentially billions of locusts that, if not effectively contained, will ravage crops and cause billions of dollars of damage.

“There has been some funding provided to help combat the plague but there is still a great need for farmers to assist in the fight against the outbreak and this meeting will assist them in developing a strategy to ensure that their losses are minimised.

“I would strongly urge as many landholders as possible to attend this meeting. It is vital that every precaution is taken to ensure their losses are minimised.”

Attending the meeting will be representatives from the Livestock Health and Pest Authority, the Department of Industry and Investment, NSW Farmers, the Australian Plague Locust Commission and Member for Barwon Kevin Humphries.