Funding secured for Goulburn Murray Valley Fruit Fly Program

In Summary

Council has secured $469,000 in Victorian Government funding for the 2025/2026 Goulburn Murray Valley Fruit Fly Program.
The program includes support for a Fruit Fly Coordinator, two Field Officers, targeted education, community workshops, signage and trap deployment.
Council had been advocating for $1 million per annum in partnership with neighbouring Councils and industry bodies; additional 2026/2027 funding is yet to be confirmed.
Queensland Fruit Fly numbers have increased by 183 per cent since 2021, following earlier reductions and subsequent government funding cuts.

The Goulburn Murray Fruit Fly Program incorporates the municipal areas of Greater Shepparton, Moira Shire, Campaspe Shire and Strathbogie Shire Councils.

The partnering Councils, alongside Fruit Growers Victoria, Cobram and District Fruit Growers Association, and other industry bodies, had been advocating for $1 million per annum to roll out a high input area wide management program across the Goulburn Murray Valley.

Whilst the full amount has not been made available, Council was successful in receiving $469,000 for the 2025/2026 financial year. The Victorian Government advised they will also provide funding for the 2026/2027 financial year, however this amount is yet to be confirmed.

While the funding received is less than anticipated, Mayor, Councillor Shane Sali, said it ensures critical work can continue to support the region’s $1.6 billion horticulture industry.

“This money will be put towards further targeted fruit fly education and control. While it is less than we had been advocating for, the funding will ensure some work can continue to support our region’s horticulture industry,” he said.

“The funding is critical as we head into summer - a vital time for Queensland Fruit Fly breeding. We know that they breed quickly in urban areas and migrate to orchards which is extremely concerning. Currently, the majority of fruit growers in our region protect their farms from Queensland Fruit Fly using baits and spray, however they do so at a significant cost to their bottom line.”

The funding will continue to support a dedicated Fruit Fly Coordinator, alongside two part time Field Officers who will undertake Queensland Fruit Fly education within the community. The funding will also support volunteer engagement, marketing and signage, and community workshops, while ensuring a targeted trapping grid can recommence.

The Goulburn Murray Valley Fruit Fly Management Program saw positive results over many years, with Queensland Fruit Fly numbers reducing by over 95 per cent in 2017 and then a further 60 per cent in 2018. These positive results suffered post 2020 however, when government funding was reduced resulting in a less intensive area wide management program. Since this funding cut, Queensland Fruit Fly numbers have increased by over 183 per cent since 2021.

“The significant funding cuts have resulted in less proactive fruit fly management occurring within urban areas of the Goulburn Murray Valley. Management of Queensland Fruit Fly in these urban areas is crucial to ensuring we can manage any risk to our horticulture industry across the region,” Cr Sali said.

“Council will continue its advocacy in this space to ensure that the important work of the program and the ongoing community education can continue.”

To manage Queensland Fruit Fly in the community, residents are encouraged to:

Actively manage their fruit and vegetables if they live near identified Fruit Fly ‘hot spots’.
Inspect produce for sting marks, strip plants of infested produce and dispose of it by solarisation.
Purchase Fruit Fly netting to prevent Fruit Fly stinging their produce.
Remove any unwanted/unmanaged Fruit Fly habitat from their land.
Pick their produce early rather than late and prune their fruit trees to a manageable size so fruit is not left high in the trees.
If individuals have problems with infested fruit trees from neighbouring properties impacting their land, they should report it to the GMV Fruit Fly Coordinator, Ross Abberfield, who will take appropriate action.

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For more information about the Goulburn Murray Valley Fruit Fly Program, phone Council on 5832 9700 or email council@shepparton.vic.gov.au