Victoria Continues War On Locusts
Spraying of locusts on public land in Victoria began this weekend in the state’s north-west as the Brumby Labor Government’s $43.5 million war on locusts intensifies.
Agriculture Minister Joe Helper said that ground spraying commenced this weekend at Red Cliffs, south of Mildura.
“The particular strip of land that was sprayed had high densities of hoppers which could potentially move on to adjoining agricultural land,” Mr Helper said.
“First hatchings in this area were reported in mid-September. The locusts had reached the late second instar growth stage – the ideal time during locust development for effective spraying.
“Perfect conditions mean we are staring down the barrel of the worst plague in 75 years. The battle has started and we need to treat the hoppers to prevent them from taking flight.
“We won’t eliminate all the locusts but with public cooperation we hope we can reduce their numbers enough to reduce the damage to Victoria’s agricultural sector.
“Many Victorian farmers could have their best year of crop growth since 2001, but if left untreated this plague could cost Victorian agriculture $2 billion.”
Mr Helper said since the first hatchings were reported and the setting up of the first regional Incident Control Centre at Mildura, fields teams have been mapping and monitoring egg beds and hatchings on both public and private land.
“The crews have covered more than 10,000 kilometres and checked 560 sites noting the development of the hatchings and planning appropriate times for spraying,” he said.
“Aerial surveillance began last week in the Murray-Sunset National Park and combined with the start of ground spraying the first major skirmish is underway.
The Brumby Labor Government is investing $43.5 million to fight the locust plague including:
- Ordering $4.2 million worth of chemicals to treat 600,000 hectares of public land;
- Providing a 100 per cent rebate for the costs of chemicals for farmers to spray locusts;
- Delivering a $850,000 package to local councils to assist them fight the locust threat;
- Declaring the locust an exotic threat which requires landholders to report locust activity and treat locusts on their property;
- Ensuring we have on stand by both fixed-wing planes and helicopters to undertake surveillance and aerial spray where possible; and
- Launching a $2 million community awareness campaign to ensure all Victorians were aware of the locust threat and landholders know what to do to help fight the locust threat.
Topics: 2010, agriculture, Australia, Brumby Labor Government, business, community awareness campaign, economic development, economic growth, Economy, egg beds, employment, environment, Governance, government, hatchlings, hoppers, Incident Control Centre, investment, jobs, Joe Helper, landholders, locusts, Mildura, moniter, monitor, Murray-Sunset National Park, news, plague, Red Cliffs, spraying, Victoria
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