Farmers frustrated as locust control costs add up

Farmers in Victoria's north-west are growing frustrated as the cost of controlling a rapidly expanding locust population mounts. Jack Lambert, a farmer from Meringur, west of Mildura, claims he feels neglected by Agriculture Victoria despite repeatedly reporting locust sightings through their surveillance program. The recent warm and wet weather has led to locust numbers reaching their highest in 15 years, though Agriculture Victoria is doubtful the population will reach plague levels.

Locusts began hatching in large numbers across the Mallee in mid-September, prompting farmers to actively chase thousands of insects across their properties and local national parks. Despite their efforts, Jack Lambert and other farmers have expressed frustration with the department's lack of support, stating, "It seems like they've put a real lot of work into making a show about finding locusts but where's the action?"

Agriculture Victoria clarifies that the responsibility for treating locusts lies with the landholder or manager, emphasizing that they will work with various government departments to inform and guide farmers. However, some farmers, like Jim Pickering, are frustrated that road reserves on their properties are left untreated as they are government land.

Locust control timing is crucial, as farmers must act swiftly when the insects band together. Past locust plagues have devastated crops, with the 2010 event causing billions of locusts to traverse from NSW to Victoria, reaching Melbourne and decimating broadacre and horticultural crops. This year, South Australia has provided a $6.5 million package to assist landholders, while Victoria's farmers may need further compensation for their labor and financial burden in stopping the locust spread.