MORE Waikerie residents can now volunteer to have their unwanted backyard fruit trees replaced – and cut the region’s fruit fly risk – thanks to the extension of the voluntary tree replacement pilot program.

Interested residents and landholders in the original Waikerie outbreak area now have until March 17 to apply to be involved in the initiative, Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Clare Scriven, said.

The extension enables flood-affected residents an opportunity to volunteer for the trial program, which is managed by the Department of Primary Industries and Region in partnership with the District Council of Loxton Waikerie.

The voluntary trial program commenced in November, aimed at improving the management of non-commercial backyard fruit trees. Removed fruit trees have been replaced with locally sourced, non-fruiting native trees without charge. 

Residents can choose to replace one or multiple fruit trees that are at risk from fruit fly.

However, trees are only replaced if landholders or residents apply to participate. 

“As this trial has coincided with the current River Murray flood event, this extension now allows interested and eligible residents and landowners an opportunity to be involved,” Ms Scriven said.

“So far 13 residents have volunteered in the program to date, with 101 fruit trees to be removed and 48 non-fruiting native trees ordered as replacement.

“Importantly this program has also allowed us to speak with backyard fruit tree owners about the need to, and risks of not, maintaining their trees.

“During the trial, PIRSA’s community engagement officer has met with many Waikerie residents to discuss their trees and offer advice on how to prevent them becoming a target for fruit fly.”

To register for the program visit the website, call the Hotline (1300 666 010) or email fruitfly@sa.gov.au to request an application form.