AS REPORTS Queensland fruit fly numbers are on the decline in Swan Hill emerge, the Victorian Government has injected nearly $800,000 into the fight against the destructive pest.
Minister for Agriculture Jaala Pulford was in Mildura on Friday to reveal $780,000 would be put towards targeted eradication and suppression programs in the Greater Sunraysia Pest Free Area (PFA).
The Guardian understands the funding will be administered by the Greater Sunraysia Pest Free Area Industry Development Committee (IDC).
The number of fruit fly outbreaks within the PFA have skyrocketed in the recent year, causing the voluntary suspension of the pest-free status and escalated efforts to combat the destructive insect in residential backyards.
But fly numbers have improved in the Swan Hill area since the implementation of a mass trapping program that has seen 1000 free traps handed out to residents.
For more on this story, pick up a copy of Monday’s Guardian.
