No new Queensland fruit fly outbreaks or boundary extensions have been declared in the Riverland from 18 to 31 July 2023.
Restrictions remain in place for existing outbreak and suspension areas and the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) staff continue to visit properties to inspect yards, apply organic bait and provide residents with information about what they need to do.
PIRSA General Manager Fruit Fly Emergency Response Program, Paul Dowsett said our teams continue the critical work of applying controls across the Riverland in conjunction with the release of sterile flies to combat fruit fly, which is recommencing this week.
"During winter the fruit fly lifecycle slows down significantly, and this presents us with an opportunity to make progress in our eradication program," said Mr Dowsett
"Our field teams continue to work in outbreak areas, regularly baiting and removing fallen fruit from resident’s properties –please provide us access to your yard.
"Bait is an effective means of killing fruit fly and is not just applied to fruit trees but all types of suitable foliage within your property because, the flies use these plants as shelter and sometimes a food source."
Riverland Fruit Fly Committee chair and local grower Jason Size said growers in the outbreak areas are still eligible to sign up for the self-baiting program.
"Commercial growers in the outbreak areas are eligible for the self-baiting program to access free fruit fly bait and lures that attract and kill fruit fly," said Mr Size.
"I encourage growers not yet involved to apply as soon as possible.
"Supplementary to fruit fly bait and lures is good orchard management practices, promptly picking of ripe fruit and removal or treatment of fallen or rotting fruit are essential to break the fruit fly cycle.
"Information about self-baiting and how to apply can be found on the fruit fly website or by calling the Fruit Fly Hotline on 1300 666 010.”
New outbreak areas
- Nil
New extensions to existing outbreak areas
- Nil
Outbreak area boundary extensions also affect yellow suspension area boundaries. Search your address on the fruit fly interactive outbreak map to see how fruit and vegetable movement restrictions affects you, depending where you live, travel, work or go to school.
Total outbreak breakdown
| Outbreak area | This fortnight | Previous fortnight |
|---|---|---|
| Outbreak areas with no detections for more than 12 weeks | 17 | 17 |
| Outbreak areas with detections during the last 12 weeks | 26 | 26 |
| TOTAL OUTBREAKS | 43 | 43 |
The end date for all outbreaks is 23 December 2023, however this may change if further fruit flies are detected.
The Sterile Insect Technology (SIT) is operating at Lindsay Point and Murtho.
If you're feeling overwhelmed and don't know where to start, contact a Family and Business (FaB) mentor. It is free informal, confidential and independent conversation with a local Riverland mentor – by phone or in person.
Call a Riverland FaB directly:
- Robyn Cain 0411 633 085
- John Chase 0419 848 672
- Brent Fletcher 0439 409 430
For more information about fruit fly, self-baiting or for the most up to date outbreak advice, go to fruitfly.sa.gov.au or call the Fruit Fly Hotline 1300 666 010.
