“It’s extremely important to our region that fruit fly is monitored and controlled by both orchardists and backyard fruit growers,” said Cr Patterson. “We are no longer a fruit fly free zone so we need to ensure people are provided with information to assist them to recognize signs of fruit fly.
“Our orchardists are diligent in monitoring for fruit fly but we also need to build awareness with backyard fruit growers on the impact a fruit fly infestation can have not just on their own crop but on the orchards nearby,” said Cr Patterson.
“Fruit should not be left lying on the ground, it needs to be bagged securely and binned into the waste bin provided by Council. Growers need to be aware of what fruit fly and their maggots look like and alert Department of Environment and Primary Industries (DEPI) if they think they have the pest on their property.”
“There are a whole lot of measures available to fruit growers to prevent fruit fly at various stages of growth and how to reduce or control the numbers if an infestation occurs,” said Cr Patterson. “Tomatoes are also affected – how many people grow tomatoes in their backyards in our region? With the orchards so close to residential areas in many parts of our municipality we all have a responsibility to ensure we keep our fruit free of the pest,” said Cr Patterson.
Greater Shepparton City Council is speaking to growers to determine how local government can assist in dealing with the issue. We are wanting to get fruit fly treatment back on the agenda of organisations like DEPI. Awareness and education are the key and a starting point” said Cr Patterson.
Cr Patterson and Mayors from neighbouring Councils are meeting this week with concerned fruit growers and DEPI to determine the next steps to take. “Whilst Councils are not responsible for dealing with infestations we are keen assist in developing an education campaign to raise awareness in the community and reduce the number of infestations in our region.”
“Ultimately it is in everyone’s best interests; our orchardists’ livelihoods are at stake and if the orchards are destroyed then a significant industry is affected and the flow on effect could be catastrophic for the Goulburn Valley region,” said Cr Patterson.
