❓ A parliamentary question regarding locust plagues in WA, focusing on their frequency, causes, climate change links, affected areas, and funding for spraying versus research. The answer reveals a focus on summer rainfall as the primary driver and a lack of dedicated research funding.
AnsweredQoN 1428Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to the Minister’s media release of Tuesday 8 September 2009, headed ‘$1.2 million to prepare for locust plague’, and I ask -
(1) When exactly during the last 10 years have the last five plagues occurred?
(2) If the answer to (1), is that they have been largely within the past five years, does this indicate an increase in plague locust activity in Western Australia?
(3) If yes to (2), what are the possible reasons for what appears to be an increased incidence of locust plagues?
(4) Has the Department done any investigations into the possible linkages between changing climate, rainfall patterns and the incidence of locust plagues?
(5) If no to (4), is any such research planned and budgeted for in the budget estimates or forward estimates years?
(6) Are any particular areas of Western Australia experiencing more plagues than others?
(7) If yes to (6), does the Minister have any theories why that might be so?
(8) How much money has been spent in the last two financial years on spraying as compared to research into other ways to manage this problem?
(9) How much money is budgeted for spraying as compared to research into other ways to manage this problem, for the budget estimates and forward estimates years?
(1) When exactly during the last 10 years have the last five plagues occurred?
(2) If the answer to (1), is that they have been largely within the past five years, does this indicate an increase in plague locust activity in Western Australia?
(3) If yes to (2), what are the possible reasons for what appears to be an increased incidence of locust plagues?
(4) Has the Department done any investigations into the possible linkages between changing climate, rainfall patterns and the incidence of locust plagues?
(5) If no to (4), is any such research planned and budgeted for in the budget estimates or forward estimates years?
(6) Are any particular areas of Western Australia experiencing more plagues than others?
(7) If yes to (6), does the Minister have any theories why that might be so?
(8) How much money has been spent in the last two financial years on spraying as compared to research into other ways to manage this problem?
(9) How much money is budgeted for spraying as compared to research into other ways to manage this problem, for the budget estimates and forward estimates years?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
22 March 2010
Responded by
Minister for Child Protection representing the Minister for Agriculture and Food
Response time
115 days
(1) Spring 2001, Spring 2004, Spring / Summer 2006/07, Spring 2007, Spring 2009.
(2) No
(3) Not applicable
(4) No. It is widely understood from experience in Western Australia and other states that the main influence on locust outbreaks is summer rainfall.
(5) No
(6) Yes, the eastern and south eastern wheatbelt.
(7) Those areas have received summer rain more often than other areas.
(8) 2007/08 - 30,000 ha sprayed at $260,000 approximately. Nil Research
2008/09 Nil spraying. Nil Research
2009/10 Nil spraying. Nil research
(9) Nil budgeted for locusts
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(2) No
(3) Not applicable
(4) No. It is widely understood from experience in Western Australia and other states that the main influence on locust outbreaks is summer rainfall.
(5) No
(6) Yes, the eastern and south eastern wheatbelt.
(7) Those areas have received summer rain more often than other areas.
(8) 2007/08 - 30,000 ha sprayed at $260,000 approximately. Nil Research
2008/09 Nil spraying. Nil Research
2009/10 Nil spraying. Nil research
(9) Nil budgeted for locusts
Notice: This document is created or edited using unregistered or evaluation copy of rtLib valid for testing or development purposes only. To use it for productive or any other purposes please register it. You may purchase the license on
http://www.rtlib.com
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