An initiative has been implemented across Greater Shepparton, Moira Shire, Campaspe Shire and Strathbogie Shire to encourage land owners of urban residential land to make application to have unwanted fruit trees removed free of charge.
This is an initiative that has arisen from the Goulburn Murray Valley Fruit Fly Action Plan which has been developed by the Goulburn Murray Valley Fruit Fly Group. The Goulburn Murray Valley Fruit Fly Group includes representation from major horticultural producers, local and state government and community members from the area.
Mayor of Greater Shepparton Cr Dinny Adem said, “Thanks to this important initiative locals can be proactive and submit an application to have their unwanted fruit trees removed to combat the Queensland Fruit Fly. Everyone needs to work together to protect our respective areas from fruit fly.”
Fruit trees you no longer require or are unable to maintain can provide breeding grounds for QFF which in turn can have a serious impact on our fruit growing industry and our home gardens.
“Queensland Fruit Fly is a serious concern for regions that have a significant agricultural footprint such as Greater Shepparton, Moira, Campaspe and Strathbogie. This is one of the several actions that have arisen from the Goulburn Murray Valley Fruit Fly Action Plan,” said Fruit Fly Coordinator Ross Abberfield.
Winter is a great time to remove potential breeding sites as the QFF is relatively dormant during this period when the weather is too cold for them to be active.
Applications to have fruit trees removed from urban residential land are available at participating Council/Shire Offices. Given funds are limited, applications will be assessed and actioned accordingly.
For more information please contact Greater Shepparton City Council on 5832 9700.
