THE new state primary industries minister has confirmed current fruit fly eradication strategies will continue, after another two new outbreaks in the Riverland. 

PIRSA last week declared new outbreaks of Queensland fruit fly at Waikerie and Paringa, following the detection of maggots in backyard fruit.

Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Clare Scriven, when visiting Renmark last Wednesday, said eradication programs run by the previous Liberal government would continue. 

“The release of the sterile insect technology has been very successful… and now there is those outbreaks, that technology can be used,” Ms Scriven said. 

“The really important message is that it’s often backyard trees, or vacant lots that aren’t being kept up, that seem to be the source. 

“Everyone in the community needs to be vigilant. Checking there’s no fallen fruit on the ground sounds so simple, but it’s key.” 

Ms Scriven said assisting growers who need to transport fruit outside of the Riverland would also be a priority. 

“Those support options will continue,” she said.  

“A lot of it is to help the growers know where to go and what to do, particularly if their fruit needs to cross out of the region.” 

Riverland Fruit Fly Committee chair Jason Size encouraged growers to share advice regarding previous experience with local outbreaks. 

“If you are a grower in one of the new outbreak areas go to the fruit fly website and you’ll find lots of useful information about the restrictions now in place and what you need to do,” Mr Size said. 

“Reach out if you need support… or speak with peak industry associations or other growers in the Riverland who have managed seasonal produce during fruit fly outbreaks. 

“Your industry associations or fellow growers who’ve been through an outbreak before will have plenty of tips and good advice on how to manage the situation.”

PIRSA general manager of fruit fly response, Nick Secomb, said ensuring residential backyards were clear of fruit was critical to minimising the chances of further outbreaks across the Riverland.

“Growers know what they need to do to prevent fruit fly and are looking after their properties, however the latest detections have been mostly in non-commercial trees, so please clean up your home yard and play your part to prevent future outbreaks,” Mr Secomb said. 

“April is historically the most prevalent time for fruit fly and maggot detections, so residents and orchard growers need to be extra vigilant now and make sure no ripe fruit is left on trees or rotting on the ground.

“A lot of preventative work is being done in the Riverland by PIRSA… and growers are protecting their crops, so fruit flies will start to look for alternative fruit to lay their eggs in and this means backyards can become a target.”

Provided no further detections are reported, the Waikerie and Paringa outbreak areas will remain in place until December 4, while restriction in the Loxton and Loxton North outbreak areas have been extended until December 6. 

Primary producers impacted by the outbreaks are encouraged to seek free advice and support via the Family and Business Support program on 1800 931 314. 

Further information regarding fruit fly outbreaks in the Riverland can be found by visiting the PIRSA website.