Goulburn-Murray Water encourages landholders to always read the label of chemical products before use, be conscious of the implications of using any chemical product near any type of waterway - including channels, drains, creeks and rivers and seek appropriate advice if in doubt.
G-MW Acting Manager Gravity Operations Phillip Hoare said the use of accredited chemicals to control locusts was an effective control, however if the application is near a waterway additional considerations are required including the type of chemical product used and weather conditions when spraying.
"It's really important to ensure the chemical product you use is accredited and is registered for the purpose you wish to use it for. Check with your local chemical reseller and consider implications like livestock withholding periods, chemical effects on aquatic life and spray drift," Mr Hoare said.
"It's important the find the most appropriate product available for your circumstance without causing any harm or detriment to waterways, aquatic life and the environment," said Mr Hoare.
Water users are reminded that all water supplied by Goulburn-Murray Water is unfit for any use involving human consumption, directly or indirectly, without first being properly treated.
A range of information is available to landholders through the Department of Primary Industries website at www.dpi.vic.gov.au/locusts and G-MW has locust information and fact sheets available at
www.g-mwater.com.au/locusts
- ENDS -
Media Contact: Sheree Fitzgerald
Position: Corporate Communications Adviser
Telephone: 03 5833 5754