New South Wales landholders warned of spring locust risk

Local Land Services (LLS) is urging landholders in New South Wales to remain vigilant for signs of plague locusts as spring approaches. This warning follows a notification from the Australian Plague Locust Commission regarding a moderate to high risk of regional infestations in central and western NSW.

Favorable breeding conditions in autumn have led to above-baseline activity, and eggs laid during that period are expected to hatch soon. LLS advises landholders to monitor for signs such as nymphs hopping on the ground, small holes in the soil, vegetation damage, and buzzing sounds. Early reporting is considered vital for biosecurity staff to monitor populations and plan effective control programs.

Under the NSW Biosecurity Act 2015, landholders and managers have a legal responsibility to report actual or suspected locust activity within one business day. Unmanaged infestations can cause significant damage to crops, pastures, vegetation, and community assets like parks and sporting fields.