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This article was published on Wednesday, 27 September, 2017. The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate.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.

Ridding roadsides of Queensland Fruit Fly breeding grounds

The war against Queensland Fruit Fly is continuing with the Goulburn Murray Valley Regional Fruit Fly Coordinator working with VicRoads and government agencies to identify and remove rogue fruit trees and vegetables growing on public land across the Goulburn Murray region.

Recent inspections along the Murray Valley Highway identified large clusters of prickly pear, a Queensland Fruit Fly host plant. “Prickly pear is just one host fruit that attracts Queensland Fruit Fly. There are many fruit and vegetable varieties growing wild on public land providing an ideal breeding site,” said Ross Abberfield.

Mr Abberfield encouraged members of the public to report rogue fruit trees and vegetables on roadsides and public land to their Council.

“We are asking for public assistance in the reporting of areas of concern on roadsides or public land. In protecting the region against fruit fly it is important that we adopt a uniform approach to managing host plants on public land which involves working closely with VicRoads, Councils and other Government agencies,” Mr Abberfield said.

The invasive prickly pear is one of many host plants that bear high level attractant fruit in which the fruit fly can lay its eggs and is a declared noxious weed in Victoria.

Members of the community wishing to report rogue fruit trees or vegetables growing wild on public land, can contact the customer service desk at their local Council and complete a Rogue Fruit Tree Registration Form.

Mr Abberfield works with the Goulburn Murray Valley Regional Fruit Fly Action Group to coordinate a multi-faceted approach to managing fruit fly in the region.

The groups bring together the Greater Shepparton City Council, Moira Shire, Berrigan Shire, Campaspe Shire, Strathbogie Shire, Fruit Growers Victoria and Cobram and District Fruit Growers Association.

“In applying a coordinated approach we are aiming to reduce the impact of Queensland Fruit Fly on the local fruit growing industry and home gardens,” Mr Abberfield said.

For more information contact Kathryn Maddox on 0438 548 758.