Media Release

4x4 Show to siren Fruit Fly threat

25 August 2010

The Greater Sunraysia Pest Free Area (PFA) community awareness campaign for this summer will be launched at Melbourne’s National 4x4 & Outdoors Show, Fishing and Boating Expo.

In what will be a joint venture with the expo managers, the initiative aims to raise awareness and educate travellers on the world’s worst pest to fruit, the Queensland Fruit Fly.

The show will provide a high profile location for PFA staff to access the community, and provide information on fruit fly restriction zones, in particular, 4wd enthusiast area, the Murray Valley.

Fruit fly outbreaks cost Australian fruit growers more than $100 million each year in lost income and eradication. The outbreaks cause interstate and export trade restrictions, including the loss of access to important markets.

Fruit Fly is not endemic to the production areas of the Murray Valley (including Sunraysia) and it is imperative to keep it out in order to maintain Area Freedom for market access.

PFA coordinator Lyn Jacka said, “Just one piece of fruit brought into the Sunraysia, Murray Valley Region could ruin Victoria’s fruit industry.”

“The only means of fruit fly entering the area is by someone doing the wrong thing by carrying infested fruit into the zone. Fruit may look sound on the outside but can contain maggots and, if discarded once inside the zone, can result in a full fruit fly outbreak situation.”

The region is a Pest Free Area, which within Victoria means anyone caught bringing in fruit risks a penalty of up to $5,500. Similar penalties apply in New South Wales.

Mrs Jacka believes the cooperation of travellers makes all the difference to the success of fruit fly control and to the health of Victoria’s fruit industry.

“Travellers need to know where the zones are and plan their fruit and vegetable purchases accordingly. Fresh fruit and vegetables are in abundance in these areas and can be easily purchased,” she added.

Under Victorian and New South Wales legislation, fruit and vegetables taken into the Pest Free Area must have certification or a permit stating that the fruit or vegetables meet legislative requirements.

Most fruits, including stone fruit, citrus, berries, avocadoes, tomatoes, capsicums and chillies, are hosts to the Queensland fruit fly and strict control measures exist to protect the Sunraysia, Murray Valley Region from any possible risk of an incursion.

Roadside signage and quarantine amnesty bins alert travellers of their impending entry into the PFA and to provide an opportunity to safely dispose of any host fruit & vegetables that may be onboard. Random roadblocks are held to check vehicles for host produce and amnesty bins are also located at local airports and bus/train stations.

Tickets are now on sale to Melbourne’s National 4x4 & Outdoors Show, Fishing and Boating Expo, to be held over Fathers Day weekend on the 3-5 September 2010. To purchase your ticket or find out more, head to www.4x4show.com.au or www.fishingshow.com.au

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