THE Greater Sunraysia Pest-Free Area has been awarded $1.1 million from a program designed to support fruit fly management programs, explore new ways to manage the pest and employ full-time regional co-ordinators.
The Fruit Fly Strategy grant from the Victorian Government aims to support key fruit production regions across the state to protect produce from the destructive impacts of Queensland fruit fly.
“It’s really pleasing that this funding will allow continued assistance to be provided to Victorian residents in the region, which extends across the Mildura, Swan Hill and Gannawarra council areas,” Queensland fruit fly management program regional co-ordinator Narelle Beattie said.
“The Greater Sunraysia region will received over $1.1 million through the Fruit Fly Strategy grants to fund programs to support the local community and help protect our valuable horticultural industries.
“We are very excited this grant will allow us to be able to fully launch our Fruit Fly Fighter Program this year.”
More than 30 home gardeners took up the challenge last year to successfully protect their fruit from Queensland fruit fly.
Ms Beattie said Queensland fruit fly larvae has been found in the region early this season, making it more important to be proactive with control strategies in the garden this year.
Agriculture Minister Mary-Anne Thomas said the total $2.9 million would be shared across Greater Sunraysia, Goulburn-Murray valley and Yarra valley regions.
She said the grants were part of the government’s Fruit Fly Strategy 2021-25, which has been developed in consultation with industry and aims to deliver awareness programs that empower the community and growers to keep their crops free of damage from fruit fly.
“Fruit fly can build up in home gardens and unmanaged lands, leading to problems on productive farms – that’s why we are empowering industry and local communities to lead the management of Queensland fruit fly,” Ms Thomas said.
