Farmers in the shires of Westonia, Mukinbudin and Nungarin in the Central Wheatbelt electorate are now eligible to receive assistance for locust control.
Member for Central Wheatbelt Mia Davies MLA said the State Government had recently announced an assistance scheme to support farmers and rural shires to control Australian plague locusts in high-risk areas, this spring.
Ms Davies said a high level of locust activity was expected this season, across parts of the eastern Wheatbelt and southern agricultural region of the State.
“The State Government will contribute $5 per hectare to eligible landholders across the regions that are anticipated to have highly destructive locust plagues,” she said.
“Landholders seeking to control locusts in pasture, crops or on public amenities, such as ovals, may apply.”
Member for the Agricultural Region Hon Martin Aldridge MLC said it was important pre-emptive action, such as spraying, was taken to ensure grain growers were protected.
“I encourage landholders in the shires of Westonia, Mukinbudin and Nungarin in the Central Wheatbelt electorate to consider applying,” Mr Aldridge said.
“If landholders apply now before the hot weather hits they can prevent locust plagues from becoming too widespread.
“I am aware this is a busy time leading into harvest, although it is important that landholders continue to monitor their properties and protect their crops.”
Other eligible shires include Jerramungup, Gnowangerup, Lake Grace, Kulin and Yilgarn.
The scheme may be extended to additional shires if they start to experience a high level of locust activity.
The Department of Agriculture and Food is providing information on locust activity and control options.
Further information on locust activity is available from the Department of Agriculture and Food WA, at http://www.agric.wa.gov.au/locusts or by calling 1800 198 231 (freecall).
More details on locust identification, monitoring and control is available at http://www.agric.wa.gov.au, or by contacting 1800 084 881 (freecall).
For media enquiries please contact Mia Davies on 08 9041 1702 (Merredin office), 08 9622 2871 (Northam office) or email mia.davies@mp.wa.gov.au.
