Locusts need to be mapped and monitored, VFF

VFF President Andrew Broad said the damage caused by locusts in the past month would pale in comparison to the potential damage a plague of significant proportions might cause in the Spring or early Summer.

“Egg laying activity has been observed across the North and with favourable conditions in Spring there is potential for a very large locust plague that would affect, not only farmers, but also the wider Victorian community,” Mr Broad said.

“To avoid the damage such a plague could cause to farm production, sporting facilities and private gardens, as far East as Melbourne, I urge all landholders to monitor and report egg laying activity to the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Locust Hotline on 1300 13 5559.”

"The VFF will continue to liaise with the DPI and the Minister for Agriculture to ensure a plan is in place and ready to be activated in case our fears of a plague later in the year are realised.”

“The allocation of monitoring and coordination staff and the provision of adequate chemical supplies will be essential for an effective response. The costs associated with these preparations should be borne by government rather than farmers who will already have to spend time away from their usual business activities to pursue preventative measures.”

“Similar preparatory work will need to be undertaken across our borders. Locust plagues have usually begun in the Northern states and Victorian farmers rely on the work of our neighbours to limit the movement of locusts into our state.”

“It would be a tragic irony if the rain that broke the drought provided the conditions for the next plague. Farmers are looking to work with the Victorian Government to minimise the risks and limit the potential for damage,” Mr Broad concluded.