Current locust situation

Locust populations remained at low levels across inland eastern Australia with some localised medium-density adults persistent in the Trangie-Nyngan and likely Broken Hill-White Cliffs areas of New South Wales in November. Limited surveys conducted in November identified consistent low-density adults in western Queensland and southern NSW with medium-density adults remaining in the Nyngan region. Only occasional nymphs were identified in the Nyngan region. A few locusts were caught by light traps in Thargomindah, Queensland and White Cliffs, NSW in late November with locust activities under house lights also reported from the Innamincka area of SA and Tibooburra area of NSW. Nil capture was recorded by light traps in Dulkaninna, South Australia and Fowlers Gap, NSW for November. The UNSW insect monitoring radar in Hay was not accessible due to the disruption of Telstra mobile network upgrade, but swarming adults were reported from the Ivanhoe-Mossgiel areas in early December. Both light-trap captures and reports indicate the occurrence and possible redistribution of localised populations.

Most habitats were unfavourable for locust breeding during the first half of November. The inland eastern Australia received variable 10 – 200 mm of rainfall in November with less than 50 mm over much of the arid and semi-arid interior while 150 – 200 mm of rain was recorded in the Charleville region, ranging from average to very much above average levels historically. November temperatures over inland eastern Australia were 1–4 degrees above averages. With the forecast for above average rainfall for December, localised breeding is likely to continue under favourable habitat conditions, and a moderate increase of locust populations is possible in some parts of inland eastern Australia.

The overall outlook is for low-density populations across inland eastern Australia, with possible localised medium to high densities of summer generation developing in parts of NSW and Queensland. It is unlikely that any large bands or swarms will develop until February 2025.

There is a low likelihood of widespread infestations developing during summer.

The overall population likely remained at low levels across inland eastern Australia with some medium-density populations present in inland Queensland. Limited surveys conducted in late November identified consistent Scattered-Numerous density adults in the Central West and North West districts of Queensland with occasional nymphs detected. A few locusts were captured in late November by the light traps in Thargomindah of Queensland and White Cliffs of New South Wales with no captures in Dulkaninna (SA) and Fowlers Gap (NSW) for November. With less than 10 mm of rainfall totals for October and early November over much of inland Queensland, no significant breeding is likely until sufficient rainfall produces favourable habitat conditions. With several heavy rains received in parts of inland eastern Australia in November and the forecast for above average December rainfall, habitat conditions should improve and widespread breeding is likely to commence.

There is a low risk of a widespread infestation. Though, a general increase in numbers is likely to continue with forecast rainfall in favourable habitats during summer.

The overall population was likely to remain at very low levels across inland eastern Australia. However, with more than 50 mm of rainfall during November over the traditional locust habitats and the forecast above average December rainfall, localised breeding is likely to continue under favourable habitats. High-density populations are unlikely to result from the current very low background population levels.

There is a very low risk of a widespread infestation developing during summer.