Did you know there are coordinated locust monitoring efforts occurring across multiple states of Australia, due to the significant damage that locusts can inflict on agricultural industries?
This monitoring program is managed by a dedicated locust control organisation, The Australian Plague Locust Commission (APLC). The APLC, which began in 1976, is a joint venture of the Australian Government and the Member States of New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Queensland. As well as locust monitoring, the APLC also undertakes forecasting, research and control of three locust species across Australia – Australian plague locust (Chortoicetes terminifera), Spur-throated locust (Austracris guttulosa) and Migratory locust (Locusta migratoria).
The good news is that from spring monitoring, these locusts are currently at low levels. This has been helped by low spring rainfall and therefore drying vegetation in many areas in Queensland and New South Wales in particular.
As a result of low spring levels, there is a very low probability of widespread regional infestations developing during summer – positive news for farmers.
If you find a locust, report it as soon as possible to your state biosecurity department or to the Australian Plague Locust Commission on 1800 635 962, or via email at aplc@agriculture.gov.au, or via the website at http://www.agriculture.gov.au/aplc.