NSW farmers have been told to keep an eye out for locusts after the season’s first hatchings were confirmed in the state’s central west.
NSW Primary Industries Minister Ian Macdonald said locust hatchings had been confirmed in the Peak Hill area near Dubbo.
Unconfirmed hatchings at Collie had been also been reported, he said.
Mr Macdonald called on farmers to immediately report any locust sightings, to help with efforts to control any outbreak.
“The confirmed reports show the locust hatchings to be in very small isolated patches, where it has been particularly warm and sunny,” Mr Macdonald said.
“Almost 5,000 locust reports were received from landholders last season which means we are most likely facing a very active spring.
“It is imperative farmers report any locust hatching or activity on their property to their local Livestock Health and Pest Authority in order to put appropriate control measures in place.”
