Salt of the earth under threat as mystery hits Hay Plains

Key points

• Riverina Local Land Services has reported significant dieback of saltbush between Booligal and Hay, leaving some shrubs completely bare. The damage affects pastoral properties and travelling stock reserves, but its full extent is not yet known.
• Bladder saltbush has been hit hardest, a key source of livestock feed during drought. Inspections and samples have not identified a conclusive cause, though some borer damage was found.
• Officials say recovery will take considerable time and depends on rainfall and how carefully landholders manage grazing.