After several years of wet springs and patchy beetle activity, local landholder Gary Johnson has reported a strong return of Chrysolina hyperici—the St John’s wort beetle—across his property, Tulangi.

Hilltops Council has issued a reminder to residents about the importance of responsible waste disposal, following recent community concern over illegal dumping.

According to the most recently released Department of Primary Industry drought map 100 per cent of the Hilltops is now drought affected and is expected to stay that way until the end of the year.