TEN new road signs will soon be installed across the Murray electorate, urging the community to keep the region’s vineyards free of phylloxera.
Phylloxera are small yellow insects, barely visible to the naked eye, that target and destroy grapevines.
The NSW Government announced in December that 65 biosecurity signs would be installed across the state’s 16 wine regions in an effort to prevent an incursion.
Phylloxera zones are in place in NSW, prohibiting the movement of plant and soil material from areas where they are present.
There are two known NSW phylloxera-infested zones, Albury-Corowa and Greater Sydney Region, where quarantine boundaries have been established.
The pest usually spreads by immature insects latching on to people’s clothing, footwear, equipment or cars.
Nationals candidate for Murray Peta Betts said an increase in visitors to vineyards increased the risk of a biosecurity pest incursion.
“We’re also in close proximity to Victoria, which already has six phylloxera-infested zones, so there’s a risk the pest could come in on machinery operated by contractors,” Ms Betts said.
“That’s why these signs are so important to raise awareness and protect so many of our livelihoods.”
