THE Victorian Government is offering information sessions for the state's Goulburn Broken communities on the looming locust threat.

Victoria is facing what could potentially be the biggest locust plague in the last 75 years, according to the Department of Primary Industries.

As a result, the DPI has initiated a locust management plan and is working with landholders, local government and industry to reduce the impact of locusts this spring.

"While we cannot eliminate the locust threat completely, a collaborative approach with public and private landholders working together can reduce the effect on vital food production areas, the natural environment and rural communities," DPI said.

Meetings are now being held throughout the target area with farmers and small landholders in preparation for a major, collaborative effort in response to the locust threat.

These meetings will:

  • update the current locust situation in Victoria
  • inform about the biology and potential impact of Australian Plague Locusts in Victoria
  • outline what DPI is doing and what you must do to prepare for and respond to locusts this season
  • outline where to go for more information and any available assistance for landholders

For more information visit www.dpi.vic.gov.au/locusts or call the DPI Locust Hotline on 1300 135 559.

COMMUNITY LOCUST INFORMATION MEETINGS

  • Echuca: Echuca Council Office function room - 7.30pm Thursday 2 September, corner Hare and Heygarth streets    RSVP: DPI Echuca 5482 1922
  • Gunbower: Gunbower Complex - 10.30am Friday 3 September, Gunbower Island Rd. RSVP: n/a
  • Colbinabbin: Colbinabbin Hall - 7.30pm Tuesday 7 September,  Mitchell St. RSVP: n/a
  • Kerang: Kerang Hotel Downtowner  -  7.30pm Tuesday 7 September, Nolan St. RSVP:  DPI Kerang  5452 1266
  • Rochester: Black Culvert Golf Club -  10am Tuesday 7 September, Black Culvert Rd. RSVP: n/a
  • Congupna: Congupna hall - 7.30pm Wednesday 8 September,  Katamatite-Shepparton Rd. RSVP: n/a
  • Katamatite: Katamatite Football Club Rooms - 10am  Thursday 9 September,  Moore St. RSVP: n/a
  • Katunga: Katunga Football Club Rooms - 1pm  Thursday 9 September, Carter St. RSVP:  n/a
  • Lockington: Lockington Recreation Reserve - 10.30am Thursday 9 September,  Forrest St. RSVP: n/a
  • Murchison: Murchison Community Centre - 7.30pm Thursday 9 September,  Watson St. RSVP:  n/a
  • Nanneella: Nanneella Hall 7.30pm Thursday 9 September, Echuca Nanneella Rd. RSVP:  n/a
  • Kyabram: Wilf Cox Centre (football club) - 10.30am Friday 10 September,  Unwin St. RSVP: n/a
  • Strathmerton: Strathmerton Football club -  10am Friday 10 September,  Numurkah Rd. RSVP:  n/a
  • Kyabram: Wilf Cox Centre (football club) - 7.30pm Monday 13 September,   Unwin St. RSVP:  n/a
  • Shepparton: Overlander Hotel - 7.30pm Monday 13 September,   97 Benalla Rd. RSVP:  n/a
  • Euroa: Wesley Hall - 7.30pm Tuesday 14 September,  Bury St. RSVP: DPI Benalla  5761 1611
  • Nathalia: Nathalia footy club - 7.30pm Wednesday 15 September, Park St. RSVP: n/a
  • Tatura: DPI conference room - 10.30am Wednesday 15 September,  255 Ferguson Rd. RSVP: n/a
  • Yarrawonga: Yarrawonga Town Hall - 7.30pm Wednesday 15 September,  Belmore St. RSVP:  DPI Benalla 5761 1611
  • Nagambie: Regatta Centre - 7.30pm Thursday 16 September,   Loddings Lane. RSVP: DPI Benalla  5761 1611
  • Tatura: DPI conference room - 7.30pm Thursday 16 September, 255 Ferguson Rd. RSVP: n/a
  • Cobram: Cobram Civic Centre - 7.30pm   Monday 20 September,  Punt Rd. RSVP: DPI Benalla 5761 1611