Premier John Brumby said the Locust Control Starts at Your Place campaign would start this week and target print, radio and television media.

“Our Government is taking action to support farmers to fight a locust plague which has the potential to cost Victoria’s agricultural sector $2 billion if left untreated,” Mr Brumby said.

“With the locusts now set to hatch even earlier, it is vital that landholders are equipped and ready to treat locusts after they hatch as there is a relatively short times span when immature hoppers are most vulnerable to chemical spraying.”

Mr Brumby said the campaign aims to raise awareness about the risk of locusts this spring, to educate Victorians in locust-affected areas on the best time to spray, and to highlight the importance of reporting locust activity to the Department of Primary Industries (DPI).

Agriculture Minister Joe Helper said advice to farmers was to prepare now by establishing which chemicals they needed, placing orders and ensuring they were ready to act.

“We must be ready to spray locusts after they hatch but before they can fly, which gives most farmers no longer than a two-week period in which they need to take action,” Mr Helper said.

“With the Australian Plague Locust Commission expecting locusts to begin hatching in the north-west of the state from September 25, the time has come for everyone to arm themselves with the chemicals and information they need to take part in the war on locusts.”

The State Government will provide a 100 per cent rebate to farmers for the chemicals they use to spray locusts this spring as part of the locust war strategy.

* Anyone wanting further information or to report locust activity can call the DPI on 1300 135 559 or visit the DPI website.