ALLEVIATING “unintended shopping challenges” for residents of some Riverland towns is the goal of a new initiative. 

The state government on Monday announced fruit and vegetables bought from the Murray Bridge Woolworths would be allowed into the Riverland Pest Free Area (PFA).  

Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Dev-elopment, David Basham, said restrictions on bringing fruit and vegetables into the region had created “shopping challenges” for some residents. 

“We recognise that many people living in small towns or with shacks along the River Murray would find it extremely difficult to travel significant distances within the PFA to get their fresh produce,” Mr Basham said. 

“People can buy fresh produce from these accredited retailers... and bring it into the Riverland PFA with an itemised receipt.”

Mr Basham said home delivery options would also be available. 

“As Barossa Fresh and Mannum IGA stock both accredited and non-accredited fresh produce you are not able to buy fruit and vegetables in-store to move into the Riverland Pest Free Area yourself – they are only available from these retailers through their home delivery service,” he said. 

“People can also order fruit and vegetables from the Riverland Wholesale Fruit and Veg Supplies via some local stores... and collect these when they arrive in store.” 

Further information regarding fruit fly outbreaks in the Riverland can be found by visiting the PIRSA website (www.fruitfly.sa.gov.au).