A total of $1.6 million funding will be provided in response to anticipated Australian plague locusts outbreaks in the Upper North/Flinders Ranges pastoral areas and the Upper Eyre Peninsula this Spring/Summer.
Preparations will aid in minimising the potential impacts of locusts upon South Australia’s $4.19 billion field crop and horticulture industries.
Responding to a locust outbreak requires surveillance to locate the emerging populations, conducted by field teams with four-wheel drives, trailers and motorbikes. It is supported by:
- a rapid surveillance team ferried to remote locations by helicopter
- a State Control Centre (PIRSA Glenside)
- a Local Control Centre (Orroroo CFS).
Procuring chemicals and an aerial spray operator (fixed wing plane) will be on standby for any required locust control.
The $1.6 million Cabinet approved budget provides for the necessary planning and surveillance for the anticipated outbreak, including having a plane on standby.
Effective response to locust outbreaks is shared by landowners and PIRSA. Landowners are responsible for controlling locusts on their own properties and reporting sightings of significant locust populations to PIRSA.
PIRSA assists landowners by conducting surveillance in the more remote pastoral areas. Strategic aerial insecticide control is conducted where:
- locusts are identified in large populations that are considered beyond the normal control of a landowner
- populations reach target sizes such that PIRSA control provides an identified benefit in locust population reduction.
Sightings of significant Australian plague locust activity should be reported to PIRSA through the Emergency Plant Pest Hotline: 1800 084 881 or through the Locust Locator.
