Please note: this is an archived news article release

This article was published on Tuesday, 16 October, 2018. The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate. News articles and media releases older than 60 days are archived for future reference.

Prickly Pear a target for fruit fly eradication campaign

Queensland fruit fly is attracted to various strands of prickly pear and it damages fruit within the region.

As the weather continues to warm up, Queensland Fruit Fly (QFF) is on the look-out for food and suitable habitat to lay their eggs.

Trap numbers are increasing and the project Field Officer for Shepparton has already visited 40 residential properties in the Shepparton area to assist property owners in controlling rising fruit fly numbers.

Goulburn Murray Valley Regional Fruit Fly Coordinator Ross Abberfield said a combined community effort was required to limit the spread of fruit fly.

“As part of our Area Wide Management strategy in the Goulburn Murray Valley, we all have a role to play in the early control of fruit fly populations this spring,” Mr Abberfield said.

“Removal of unwanted and unmanaged habitat is an excellent way to permanently reduce fruit fly breeding areas. So far, 539 free fruit tree removals generated by public requests in the Greater Shepparton urban areas, have been completed,” he said.

“The effects of fruit fly in our region can be significant and can have detrimental impacts on the region’s export industry. We encourage the community to maintain fruit trees on their property to ensure our horticultural industry is protected.”

“In order to protect the $620m per annum horticultural industry it is essential we work with the community to control Queensland Fruit Fly,” said Mr Abberfield.

Greater Shepparton City Council has a strong focus on building the region’s international market and is committed to the Regional Fruit Fly Management Plan and associated actions to control fruit fly. Council is represented on the governance group that oversees the implementation of this plan.

Greater Shepparton City Council was successful in gaining a grant to remove a number of host trees located on Council road reserves as guided by the Regional Fruit Fly Coordinator.