Current situation

During November and December 2021, the Australian plague locust population in inland eastern Australia remained at low levels except for the Riverina area of NSW where swarm-density adults continued to be identified and reported by landholders. Some chemical was issued to landholders and locusts were controlled.

Limited surveys by the APLC in mid-December identified high numbers of adults still present in the Riverina district, with medium-density swarm adults identified in the Jerilderie-Darlington Point-Hay-Deniliquin areas.

A moderate increase of adults up to high-numerous density was evident in the western part of the Riverina district and the adjacent lower western region, indicating short-distance redistribution has occurred.

There was one report of 3rd instar Spur-throated locust nymphs from the Winton area in late December. APLC surveys in NSW detected only one occurrence of isolated adults in the lower western region, but the light trap in White Cliffs caught several adults in early December.

The weak La Niña is likely to remain until early autumn, slightly increasing the chance of above average rainfall over much of eastern Australia. January rainfall is less likely to exceed average. Above average rainfall is forecast for February and March, with increased probability over the arid interior. Warmer temperatures are likely for much of eastern Australia except for eastern NSW where lower maximum temperatures are forecast.

Landholders and Local Lands Services staff will continue to monitor these areas over the coming months.

Landholders that suspect or are aware of any locust activity on their land should contact their Local Lands Services office on 1300 795 299.

Primary producers

Landholders are responsible for reporting locusts and the control of locusts on their land. If locust populations reach agreed treatment criteria, Local Lands Services will supply ratepayers with chemical to treat locusts.

Key contacts