Although no new Queensland fruit fly outbreaks have been declared, there is an outbreak area boundary extension in Barmera.
Restrictions remain in place in the extended 1.5 km red outbreak area and 15 km yellow suspension areas.
Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) staff are visiting properties in the area to inspect yards, apply organic bait, and provide residents with information about what they need to do.
Whether you're a grower or a resident, search your address on the interactive fruit fly map to understand the restrictions in place, and learn what you need to do within the 1.5 km red outbreak area and 15 km yellow suspension areas.
General Manager of the Fruit Fly Response, Paul Dowsett, said that although Riverland detections are currently higher than last year, much of that is because of new monitoring tactics.
'After reviewing our strategic activities recently, we now have new surveillance tools and an increased trapping network – and we’re doing more targeted larvae checks,' said Mr Dowsett.
'Our strategy is to detect fruit flies as rapidly as possible so we can reduce their spread, and deal with the problem promptly.'
Mr Dowsett also said that eradication efforts are most effective once a hotspot is found.
'When we find a particularly active area that needs treatment, we know to focus intensive efforts there,' he said.
'We are confident this approach to targeting hotspots, in combination with our other tactics and the work growers and residents are putting in, will eventually eradicate fruit fly.'
Riverland Fruit Fly Committee Chair and local grower, Jason Size, said he is grateful for strong support from industry and community members who have reported suspected fruit flies.
'To have the support of everyone in the outbreak area is essential in finding and targeting those fruit fly hotspots,' said Mr Size.
'Without this feedback, we can only address smaller parts of the outbreak, so every call to the Fruit Fly Hotline makes a difference.
I remind and urge residents to continue to not share fruit, and to support the PIRSA teams working hard in the field.'
New extensions to existing outbreak areas include Barmera.
Outbreak area boundary extensions also affect yellow suspension area boundaries.
Search your address on the fruit fly interactive map to see how fruit and vegetable movement restrictions affect you, depending where you live, travel, work or go to school.
Total outbreak breakdown includes:
| Outbreak area | Current (12 week period, up to 17 Sept) | Previous fortnight |
|---|---|---|
| Outbreak areas with no detections for >12 weeks | 17 | 17 |
| Outbreak areas with detections during the last 12 weeks (including 2 new outbreaks) | 27 | 27 |
| Total outbreaks | 44 | 44 |
The end date for all outbreaks is 27 December 2023, but this may change if more fruit flies are detected.
Sterile Insect Technology (SIT) is operating at Murtho and Bookpurnong.
If you feel overwhelmed about this situation, our Family and Business (FaB) support mentors can help.
FaB mentors are local Riverlanders who can support you through this challenging time. You can have a free, informal, confidential and independent conversation with them in person, or by phone. Learn more about FaB mentors or call them directly:
- Robyn Cain - 0411 633 085
- John Chase - 0419 848 672
- Brent Fletcher - 0439 409 430
For more information about the fruit fly, self-baiting, or the latest outbreak advice, visit fruitfly.sa.gov.au or call the Fruit Fly Hotline on 1300 666 010.
