Urgent Action Needed to Address Locust Plague in Central and North-West Queensland

Graziers in central and north-west Queensland are raising alarms regarding an emerging locust plague that is wreaking havoc across affected areas. The situation has become increasingly critical, particularly around Muttaburra and Corfield, where locust infestations have been reported for a couple of months.

Many producers share their frustration regarding the delayed response from Biosecurity Queensland. While the locusts have established themselves in the region, it was only in the last two weeks that the Department of Primary Industries dispatched personnel to engage with local graziers. Many contend that intervention should have occurred much earlier to prevent the infestation from reaching its current level.

In light of this worsening crisis, AgForce has taken the step of appealing directly to the Prime Minister’s office, advocating for the urgent redirection of unspent federal funds to combat the locust outbreak.

Reviewing the Response to the Outbreak

Several critical aspects of the current response demand immediate review:

• Revamping the Plague Pest Contingency Fund (PPCF): The fund should be updated to correspond with modern-day conditions, reflecting the rising costs associated with managing these pests.
• Geographical Expansion of Coverage: Currently, the PPCF does not encompass all affected shires. A review is necessary to consider expanding the fund, which is currently capped at $500,000, to include western shires that need assistance.

Furthermore, while the involvement of graziers is crucial in managing the infestation, the financial burden of control measures is considerable. Additional resources and support are essential to empower them to carry out critical control operations effectively.

The locust swarms are currently decimating vast areas of farmland, and reports indicate that swarms are encroaching upon cropping lands north of Richmond. If urgent measures are not implemented soon, the situation is likely to escalate further.

Call to Action for Primary Producers

Producers impacted by this locust crisis are urged not to lose hope. Although the delayed response from the Department of Primary Industries has been frustrating, it remains vital for graziers to continue reporting sightings and conditions related to locust populations. Effective action can only occur if Biosecurity Queensland is aware of the current situation on the ground.

Collectively, it is crucial for primary producers to remain vigilant and proactive, ensuring that the authorities can respond appropriately to this escalating threat to agricultural livelihoods.