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Swarms of what appear to be migratory locusts (Locusta migratoria) have been observed in areas of Central West Queensland.

According to the Australian Plague Locust Commission, the above-average rainfall over some parts of the traditional locust habitats in Queensland indicates breeding is likely to continue under favourable conditions.

Ruth Thompson, AgForce Grains Policy Director, says, “AgForce is receiving reports that locusts have caused substantial damage to pastures in Central Queensland. These swarms could also pose risks to crops – depending on effectiveness of control measures. Landholders play a key role in both reporting and effectively controlling nymphs to prevent locust outbreaks.”

Timing is Key

Belinda Callanan, member of the AgForce Biosecurity Committee, and stakeholder member of the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) locust oversight group, says timing is everything when controlling a locust population. “For migratory locusts, the time to treat them is when they are banding, when they are on the ground as nymphs.”

Belinda continues, “Currently, what we are seeing is a generation of locusts that have fledged - developed wings and become capable of flight. These are forming dense swarms.

Landholders need to be monitoring their paddocks and taking early action to control each generation of nymphs – this is key to plague prevention.”

A key resource for land managers is Managing locusts in Queensland (PDF, 10.7MB).

Responsibilities

Landholders have the primary responsibility to effectively control localised bands and swarms of locust populations on their land. This early-stage prevention is key to preventing larger-scale outbreaks.

Through the Department of Primary Industries (formerly named the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries), the Queensland Government has a role in assisting with the management of locust populations that may threaten the strategic cropping lands of Queensland. The species of locusts the Queensland Government will assist with are the Australian plague locust, migratory locust, and spur-throated locust.

The Australian Plague Locust Commission has a role to manage populations of locusts in situations where they have the potential to cause significant damage to interstate agricultural industries.

 Advocacy by AgForce

Responding to recent media and social media on large locust swarms in Queensland, AgForce has organised meetings with key staff at Biosecurity Queensland and other partners across industry and government to discuss and implement action.

AgForce is represented on the DPI locust oversight group, which facilitates information sharing and joint decision-making between industry and the various levels of government (federal, state, and local) regarding managing the risks posed by locusts. Other key committees for AgForce engagement on locust action are the State Land Pest Management Committee and the Queensland Invasive Plant and Animals Committee (QIPAC).

AgForce is also advocating for a change of policy around the role of Queensland Government in assisting with the management of locust populations that may threaten the strategic cropping lands of Queensland. We contend that pastoral areas are of equal importance.

Loss of Knowledge

Belinda Callanan is concerned that the long intervals between severe locust outbreaks may have resulted in a loss of knowledge. Belinda says, “There can be decades between major outbreaks, and during this time land changes hands, and new people step into key roles with responsibilities for locust management – both within industry and at the various levels of government.”

“I’ve had a firsthand role in controlling a major locust plague, and it can be devastating. Everyone needs to educate themselves on identifying, reporting and managing locusts.”

If you are noticing large numbers of locusts or need advice, it is important to contact the Department of Primary Industries online, via phone 13 25 23  or by email info@daf.qld.gov.au

Further information

Photo credit Department of Primary Industries: Managing locusts in Queensland