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This article was published on Monday, 30 January, 2023. The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate.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.

Free fruit tree removal program to help protect against fruit fly

Fruit fly can infest a wide variety of fruit and vegetables leaving them inedible, including stone fruit, apples and pear, citrus, strawberries, figs, tomatoes, and capsicums.

Fruit fly are a serious problem for home gardeners and anyone with a fruit tree or veggie patch, but the pest is also a risk for commercial orchardists in our region, so it is important that we all get on board and protect against fruit fly wherever we can.

The removal of unmanaged fruit trees makes it harder for fruit fly to get a foot hold and spread by reducing the number of potential breeding grounds.

The free fruit tree removal program is currently open to residents in Campaspe, Greater Shepparton, Strathbogie, Moira and Berrigan Shires, and allows for the removal of unwanted or unmanaged fruit trees at no charge to the property owner.

If you have a fruit tree you’d like removed, contact customer service or visit the Fruit Fly Control website and complete and return the application form to Council.

All tree removal works undertaken as part of the program are carried out by fully insured professional contractors at no cost to the property owner.

The tree removal program is provided free of charge to land and property holders and allows for the removal of unmanaged fruit trees and plants from orchards, private residences, and public areas such as nature strips.

The Goulburn Murray Valley Fruit Fly Area Wide Management Program works with the community, industry and government to increase education and awareness of fruit fly.

For more information about fruit fly management and control visit the program’s website at fruitflycontrol.com.au