State Controller for Locusts, Russell McMurray said the Department of Primary Industries website was one of the best ways to obtain up-to-date and detailed information about locust activity - and our response.

“From now on Victorians will be able to click on a map on the DPI website to find out details about the next community information meeting in their town or region.

“People wanting information about the meetings, or to register their interest in a meeting, can also use the DPI Locust Hotline 1300 135 559.

“Local communities, farmers, people in the agricultural industry, chemical suppliers, agronomists, local governments and other authorities need to attend these meetings, if they haven’t already done so.”

Mr McMurray said more than 100 DPI community engagement staff had already held some 160 meetings with nearly 3000 people across affected parts of the State.

“These meetings are becoming even more important and people need to be ready to spray locusts on their land.

“Egg hatchings are expected from late September starting in the Mildura region. The best time to spray is between 10 days and two weeks after hatching - before the locusts can fly.”

The Department has also developed a new interactive map that will provide another option for people reporting egg beds and other locust activity.

“Farmers and other landholders have a legal responsibility to report egg beds and locust activity

– and they can now do that by clicking on the DPI’s new interactive map,” Mr McMurray said.

“If we know where the locust activity is, we can target information to those areas to help reduce the damage caused by locusts this spring – and reduce the future threat from more egg-laying.”