The Department of Primary Industries (DPI) has extended its locust response to include sugarcane growing regions along the Queensland coast. This follows outbreaks on grazing properties in western and north-western Queensland.

Control options for locusts in sugarcane are currently limited, as no registered products are available for use. DPI is actively monitoring the situation and providing information to the cane industry to support their decision on whether to apply for an Emergency Use Permit (EUP) through the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA).

For more information, read/download the factsheet below.

A number of growers in the Herbert have recently reported locust swarms occurring on their farms. To date these swarms have been in the nymph or ‘hopper’ (immature) stage. Locusts have the potential to cause significant losses in a wide variety of crops.

The Queensland Department of Primary Industries monitors locust populations and responds to large outbreaks by implementing control programs where needed.

Growers should immediately report sightings of locust swarms to the Queensland Department of Primary Industries through the following methods,

Call: 13 25 23 (Biosecurity Queensland)
Email: locustreports@dpi.qld.gov.au
Website: Complete the online form
Survey123: Report online or offline through Survey123

For assistance in reporting or further information please contact the HCPSL office on 47761808.

More info – www.sugarresearch.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/IS13060-Locusts-2.pdf

Final Tissue Culture orders for Spring 2026 delivery are now open!

Ordering Tissue Culture plants of the new SRA48 and SRA32 Varieties will be the best way to guarantee you to receive these varieties in 2026.

Cost per plant is currently between $2.20 – $2.70 (GST incl)

Orders MUST be placed with HCPSL by the 12th of November 2025.

Please contact Rhiannan Harragon – 0490 905 367 or the HCPSL Office on 47761808.

Attention Herbert Growers

Next round of FARMSAFE Chemical Accreditation Course is on offer to you!

DATE: Wednesday 29th October or Thursday 30th October – 1 day only refresher

TIME: Start 7.45 am to 4.00pm

Cost: $400 pp (GST inclusive) Contact Sandra at HCPSL 47761808 to reserve your spot!

Proxy Forms (PDF & MS Word)

Herbert Growers please be aware of the closure of the Seed Plots – final day 3rd of October.

Growers still wanting to obtain clean seed from the HCPSL plots, contact the respective HCPSL Plot Officers ASAP.

The HCPSL Hot Water Treatment Tanks will remain open until further notice, however growers wanting to make bookings should contact HCPSL Office on 47761808.