News
26 September, 2025
$4.5M to help producers stop growing locust numbers
Queensland primary producers facing the threat of locust swarms are set to receive an additional $4.5 million from the State Government for locust control, including in areas outside the Plague Pest Contingency Fund.
This funding complements $1 million previously announced under the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements for affected local government areas such as Barcaldine and Longreach.
The Department of Primary Industries will use the investment for large-scale aerial and ground control, focusing on targeted surveillance and treatment of locust nymphs to reduce numbers before they can fly and migrate to other agricultural regions. Recent widespread flooding and a humid winter in western Queensland have created ideal conditions for locust populations to surge, affecting roughly 5.357 million hectares across regions including Richmond, Winton, Longreach, Barcaldine, and Flinders.
Cropping activity in North West Queensland’s Minerals Province has risen by 329 per cent over the past six years but is not covered by the State’s Plague Pest Contingency Fund. The Government will also review existing locust control policies to better address emerging challenges.
Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett highlighted the urgency of intervention: “There is a short period of time in the locust’s lifecycle to get in and deal with the next generation before they can fly. That window could start this month, so we must move with urgency.” He added that supporting farmers and graziers is essential for protecting the state’s $30 billion target for primary production by 2030.
Assistant Minister for Primary Industries Sean Dillon emphasised the economic importance of western Queensland, noting that Central Queensland contributes nearly 25 per cent of the state’s Gross Value of Production. “This support is game changing for grazing land and acknowledges the valuable contribution from beef and sheep to the state’s economy,” he said.
