A COMMUNITY building currently unused by a Riverland council will help the region respond to recent fruit fly outbreaks.
At a special meeting on March 16, Renmark Paringa councillors endorsed a draft lease agreement with PIRSA to deliver a fruit fly response program from the McCormick Centre.
Renmark Paringa chief executive officer Tony Siviour said co-ordination was required between council and the State Government to overcome local fruit fly outbreaks.
“Given the escalating situation in relation to fruit fly and the importance of the Riverland retaining its Pest Free Area status, the last few weeks a lot of work has occurred to formalise a lease of the McCormick Centre between PIRSA and council,” Mr Siviour said.
“The partnership formed between PIRSA and the Renmark Paringa Council is the type of collaboration that is needed if the region is to retain its Pest Free Status.
“Council has tried for a long period of time to find a sustainable use for the McCormick Centre.
“The building is ideal for the sterile fruit fly release program and council is happy to be able to activate the building and play our part in the ongoing response to fruit fly outbreaks.”
A motion was passed at February’s general council meeting to begin the process of revoking community land status for the McCormick Centre.