Locust response preparedness takes flight in north-west

11 September 2026

Agriculture Victoria is stepping up support for landholders and managers to prepare for higher-than-normal locust numbers in the state’s north-west over coming weeks.

An incident management team has been established and spring surveillance has begun in the Mallee, initially to confirm the locations of egg beds where earlier egg-laying activity was recorded.

Surveillance is focusing on 7 priority local government areas, based on forecasts showing a moderate to high chance of high locust numbers in the Mallee and a low to moderate chance of high locust numbers in the Wimmera.

Incident Controller Melissa Cann said priority areas were determined through surveys in May, following reports of high locust activity driven by favourable weather conditions for breeding.

‘The May surveillance, undertaken with the Australian Plague Locust Commission, provided the data to inform the likely spring risk and direct where response efforts should be focused.

‘Agriculture Victoria has established the incident management team as the coordinating agency to ensure information and support is provided to all land managers who are responsible for surveying and spraying on their land.

‘We are encouraging landholders and managers to join surveying efforts over the coming weeks and report sightings of locusts which will refine priority areas and timing for spraying.

‘Spraying will be most effective around 2 weeks after hatching, when young locusts are on the ground and banding together but not yet flying.

‘It’s difficult to predict the exact hatching times but based on forecasting data and surveys from earlier in the year, we expect it to start in the northern Mallee from mid to late this month and slightly later in the Wimmera,’ Ms Cann said.

Agriculture Victoria will support private landholders, councils and public land managers throughout September and October by conducting surveillance and collecting public reports, and identifying when and where locust management activities such as ground spraying should be implemented.

‘Locusts can cause serious damage to pasture, crops and horticulture, also impacting road users, so effective treatment is essential.

‘Early reporting helps support accurate advice to landholders and managers and leads to a reduced risk of widespread impacts,’ Ms Cann said.

To report locust activity, visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/locusts. You can also report locust activity to the Customer Service Centre on 136 186.

Priority local government areas include Mildura, Swan Hill, Gannawarra, Buloke, West Wimmera, Yarriambiack and Hindmarsh.

Media contact: media@deeca.vic.gov.au