South australia to begin aerial locust Control after farmer concerns

The Australian Plague Locust Commission (APLC) announced that spraying will commence at seven locations within the Mallee region, situated east of Adelaide, starting next week. APLC director Bruce Hancocks stated, “We see [it] as our last opportunity before locust populations will start to take flight.” He emphasized the importance of securing permission from landowners before spraying.

Previously, in September, the Department of Primary Industries (PIRSA) had indicated plans to spray up to 80,000 hectares in the state’s north, including the Flinders Ranges, but excluded the Riverland and Mallee due to concerns about potential impacts on livestock, crops, waterways, communities, and bee populations.

Loxton farmer Tom Fielke expressed disappointment, stating he has already spent significant sums on ground-based treatments and that the aerial spraying is “too little, too late.” He also criticized the lack of communication from the government, suggesting earlier intervention would have been more effective.

Opposition spokesperson Nicola Centofanti welcomed the government’s change of heart, questioning the delay in action. She referenced a successful aerial spraying program conducted from the Loxton Control Centre in 2010, covering approximately 178,000 hectares.

PIRSA biosecurity executive director Nick Secomb explained that the decision to spray 2,000 hectares between Pinnaroo and areas south of the River Murray was based on recent surveys conducted by the APLC. He confirmed that aerial spraying was always considered a contingency option based on the commission’s assessments.

Grain Producers SA plans to review the effectiveness of the current program after its completion to evaluate the appropriateness of aerial spraying strategies for locust control.