A LEVEL of “complacency” among Riverlanders is preventing the region from eradicating current fruit fly outbreaks – which will now last throughout the winter – according to a local MP.
The State Government last week announced fruit fly quarantine restrictions at Renmark West and Cooltong would be in place until October, after the latest detection of larvae triggered an “over-winter” period.
Chaffey MP Tim Whetstone said rules surrounding the movement of fruit within quarantine areas had been disregarded by some community members.
“It’s an ongoing battle (and) I’m still quite concerned there’s a level of complacency in the Riverland,” Mr Whetstone said.
“I’m concerned about people not standing up when asked questions about moving fruit, or giving fruit out (and) I know there are people still giving fruit away.
“People love to share their fruit… as the Riverland culture is, but we have to accept and understand the risk that’s putting the region under.
“Everyone in the Riverland should fully understand the impacts of fruit fly and what it means to the industries up here.”
Further detection of fruit fly larvae has also seen a quarantine period in Monash extended to May 17.
Renmark-based citrus grower and Bachra Produce operator Balwinder Kaur said the process of treating fruit would add extra costs for his business.
“It’s going to cost more money because you need to do extra things to the fruit,” Mr Kaur said.
“Throughout the winter we’re going to have to do what’s recommended by packing sheds.
“It’s not straightforward anymore. Usually the crop is ready, then we pick the fruit and put it on a truck. Now we’ll have to treat the fruit before it can leave the orchard.”
Mr Whetstone said continued detections – now at a time when fruit fly could survive the winter – had put South Australia’s fruit fly free status at risk with international export markets.
“We, and particularly the citrus industry, are now going to have to deal with working through this through the wintering period,” Mr Whetstone said.
“The cost of treating fruit now is significant, and our export markets are looking very carefully at the Riverland.
“We have to be seen to be doing everything we can… to show we take this issue seriously.”
Mr Whetstone advised Riverlanders it was crucial that any fallen fruit from backyard trees was cleared.
“We’ve got to give serious consideration to removing any host material from our backyards, because all of these outbreaks are in backyard trees,” he said. “If we’re not vigilant, we will still be talking about it and trying to eradicate it in 12 months’ time.”
Quarantine periods are now set to be in place at Cooltong until October 19, and in Renmark West until October 25.