Local grower and related industry representatives, representatives from Riverland councils and staff from the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) met on Wednesday 15 June to explore fruit fly eradication options ahead of spring.
PIRSA's Executive Director Biosecurity SA, Nathan Rhodes, said the unprecedented number of outbreaks requires closer cooperation than ever before.
"PIRSA and the Riverland industries have always worked closely together in our commitment to prevent and eradicate fruit fly," said Mr Rhodes.
"Today is about jointly planning approaches for our spring eradication activities when the flies become more active, and identifying opportunities together.
"Participants will hear the 'what, who and why' of suggested scenarios to effectively deploy different operational tools before engaging in a facilitated discussion to explore each scenario. The group will explore the positives, the risks and the challenges, how to address the risks and challenges, and what might need to change to make that scenario work.
"We are absolutely committed to supporting industry through these outbreaks, and to eradication, and I’m looking forward to the discussions and the outcomes of the day."
Riverland Fruit Fly Committee Chair and local grower Jason Size said the partnership between industry, community and government is essential to eradicating the region's fruit fly outbreaks.
"This planning and strategy day in Loxton is a significant exercise for us all, because working together is the best way to get rid of this pest," said Mr Size.
"It’s going to be an intense but good day I’m sure, as we work through different options to tackle the outbreaks.
"We have never faced twelve outbreaks like this before, so today we have the chance to refresh our approach, share ideas and explore all the pros and cons, all the angles on how we might do things differently, what tools and tactics will work, and who will need to be doing what when the weather warms up.
"Our goal today is to get an agreed approach that’s technically sound. After today the details will be further developed by a smaller group, then together we’ll review it again to create a finalised plan for spring."