PREVENTING fruit from entering the Riverland, and keeping local yards clear of potential host material, are keys to limiting the impact of current fruit fly outbreaks in the region, according to a State Government minister.
Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development David Basham last week visited the Riverland, inspecting the response to local fruit fly outbreaks being run from the Loxton Research Centre and attending a meeting for grape growers at the Barmera Club.
Mr Basham said “all available resources” were being used to contain the outbreaks in Renmark and Monash.
“It’s important that we respond seriously,” Mr Basham said.
“This is an important industry in South Australia, so to keep it fruit fly free is really important for the state and also for growers themselves.
“So we’re throwing everything we can at it.”
Mr Basham said meetings held last Thursday in Barmera and Renmark for Riverland grape growers provided information regarding how the outbreaks would affect this year’s vintage.
“It was very much for them, understanding what they had to do,” he said.
“There were very few people that had experienced fruit fly before, so they are working out what they have to do and how they have to do it.
“What is really important is that everyone does their bit. This is something where we need to make sure everyone is doing what they can.”
Mr Basham said a total of 56 personnel had been conducting baiting and hygiene operations at both outbreak locations.
“It’s very much about starting from the initial outbreak (area) and working outwards,” he said.
“We’ll make sure we get that patch under control and that baiting goes in that area so we don’t find any more flies in those zones or larvae in fruit.
“That’s the key at this stage, then we work outward as we go.”
Mr Basham said it was crucial any material from backyard fruit trees at risk of carrying fruit fly be removed.
“Follow the instructions of Biosecurity SA and PIRSA,” he said.
“Particularly with backyard fruit trees, make sure you maintain them in a suitable way. Don’t leave fruit on the ground, strip fruit you don’t want and dispose of it carefully.
“All those things are really important, just as it is for the commercials to do the same thing as well.
“The faster we get rid of this, the better things are for the whole community and the faster we get back to normality.”
It is understood the quarantine zone for the Monash outbreak will remain in place until at least March 22, while the Renmark quarantine area will remain until at least March 30.
Mr Basham advised Riverlanders – and holiday travellers – a zero-tolerance policy still applied to anyone caught bringing fruit into, or out of, the region.
“We cannot bring fruit into this region at any time, but at this time we can’t take fruit out either,” he said.
“It’s making sure there isn’t the movement of fruit going either way unless it’s authorised.
“The zero-tolerance approach will continue for people who are found doing the wrong thing and those caught will now face a $405 fine, so to save a sting to the hip pocket – follow the advice.
“We need to make sure we maintain the zero-tolerance, and that there isn’t any fruit coming over.”
Residents seeking further information regarding the Riverland fruit fly outbreaks are asked to contact 1300 666 010, while commercial inquiries can be directed to 1800 255 556.