Victoria Minister for Agriculture and Food Security Peter Walsh

Govt Steps Up Fight Against Qld Fruit Fly Threat

Victor P Taffa

Victoria is facing one of the worst seasons for Queensland fruit fly outbreaks since records began in 1947, Minister for Agriculture and Food Security Peter Walsh warned today.

Mr. Walsh said Queensland fruit fly outbreaks had been declared in most of Victoria’s key fruit-producing regions.

“There are now almost 60 outbreaks either declared or being declared across the state, many of which are in Victoria’s premium fruit-growing regions.” Mr. Walsh said.

“The widespread warm, humid conditions across Victoria in recent weeks have been ideal for fruit fly activity and make it one of the worst seasons for outbreaks in more than 60 years.”

Mr. Walsh said the Coalition Government was working closely with industry groups to minimise the threat posed by Queensland fruit fly, but that the co-operation of all Victorians was also crucial.

“The threat posed by Queensland fruit fly is yet another challenge confronting our food producers after years of drought followed by devastating floods and a serious locust plague.” Mr. Walsh said.

“Queensland fruit fly has the ability to disrupt some domestic and international markets and impose significant additional treatment costs on fruit producers.”

“Local communities have a key role to play in minimising the impact of the pest by vigilantly monitoring their backyard fruit trees and notifying the Department of Primary Industries immediately if they find any signs of fruit fly.”

“It’s also essential that the travelling public play their role by remembering that it is illegal to carry fruit into our protected fruit production areas, or from areas where there is a fruit fly infestation.”

Mr. Walsh said the current outbreaks were mainly in Sunraysia, the Goulburn Valley and North-East Victoria, but that there were also some in East Gippsland.

“These regions include most of our high-value fruit production and DPI is undertaking a major response to manage outbreaks and protect these industries.” Mr. Walsh said.

“Travellers must remember that it’s illegal to carry fruit fly host produce into these areas, and significant fines are applicable because of the risk to our fruit industries.” Mr. Walsh said.

For further information, including updates on where outbreaks have been declared, contact the DPI Queensland Fruit Fly Hotline on 1300 135 559 or visit www.dpi.vic.gov.au

Victoria Minister for Agriculture and Food Security Peter Walsh

Fruit fly Outbreak Declared In The Goulburn Valley

Victor P Taffa

Seasonal Conditions have created a high risk of Queensland fruit fly in the Goulburn Valley, with an outbreak declared on the North Side of Shepparton, Minister for Agriculture and Food Security Peter Walsh said today.

Mr. Walsh said the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) had declared a 15-kilometre suspension zone centred on the outbreak detection site, to regulate the movement of locally-produced host fruit from the suspension zone to Melbourne and other sensitive markets.

Mr. Walsh said it was possible that further outbreaks would be declared in the Goulburn Valley.

“The warm, humid conditions being experienced this summer mean that the pest can rapidly complete its life cycle and build in population.” Mr. Walsh said.

“Shepparton is a major fruit production area within the Fruit Fly Exclusion Zone (FFEZ), so it is critical to prevent the pest from spreading.”

“There are a number of other outbreaks across Northern Victoria at present which highlight the need for residents and travellers to be vigilant.” Mr. Walsh said.

“The Community plays a vital role in preventing these outbreaks by reminding visitors not to bring fruit to the Region.”

“It is also of utmost importance that backyard fruit trees are maintained and fruit is not left lying on the ground.” Mr. Walsh said.

DPI Senior Plant Standards Officer Bill Ashcroft said an eradication program would be commencing shortly within a 1.5 kilometre radius from the Shepparton outbreak detection site, and a leaflet describing the program would be delivered to affected properties.

“We encourage householders to help by providing easy access to their backyards for our officers and by not removing any home-grown fruit from their property unless it is treated by cooking the fruit to kill any fruit fly maggots.” Mr. Ashcroft said.

“Residents should also remind visitors not to take uncertified fruit from the area.” Mr. Walsh said.

Most fruits (including stone and pome fruit, citrus, berries, grapes, tomatoes, capsicums and chillies) can play host to Queensland fruit fly.

For further information contact DPI on 136 186, or visit www.dpi.vic.gov.au/psb or www.preventfruitfly.com.au

Victoria Minister for Agriculture & Food Security Peter Walsh

Household Efforts Vital In Fight Against Fruit Fly

Victor P Taffa

Minister for Agriculture and Food Security Peter Walsh has reminded Sunraysia Residents to remain vigilant in the fight against Queensland fruit fly following an outbreak of the pest at Robinvale earlier this month.

Mr. Walsh visited Robinvale with The Nationals Member for Mildura Peter Crisp today to discuss the outbreak with local growers including leaders of the tablegrape industry.

“Residents play a vital role in protecting valuable local horticultural industries from pests such as fruit fly, which have the potential to jeopardise key export markets.” Mr. Walsh said.

“Many Sunraysia Communities are built around local fruit and vegetable production, so residents can provide great community support through early reporting of suspected pests.”

“The sooner the community reacts, the sooner an outbreak can be contained and eradicated.” Mr. Walsh said.

Mr. Walsh said the fruit fly was first discovered by a home gardener at Robinvale who promptly reported it.

“If the pest had gone unreported or the report had been delayed, there is a strong possibility it could have spread and caused greater damage to local horticultural industries.” Mr. Walsh said.

Mr. Walsh said residents could further assist by reminding visitors to the region not to bring fruit with them.

“It is illegal to carry fruit fly host produce into the protected fruit production areas.” Mr. Walsh said.

“Since fresh fruit and vegetables are readily available in Sunraysia, it doesn’t make sense to place our industries in danger or to risk significant fines by bringing host fruits into the region.” Mr. Walsh said.

Most fruits, including stone and pome fruit such as pears and apples, citrus, berries, grapes, tomatoes, capsicums and chillies, are hosts of Queensland fruit fly.

For further information, or to report suspected cases of Queensland fruit fly, contact the Department of Primary Industries on 136 186, or visit www.dpi.vic.gov.au/psb or www.preventfruitfly.com.au