Protect the Riverland this weekend

As South Australians pause to reflect and pay tribute this Anzac Day, the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) is encouraging travellers to protect the Riverland from fruit fly.

Anzac Day is a time to honour the courage, sacrifice, and resilience of those who served to protect our country.
Jason Size, Incident Controller for the Fruit Fly Emergency Response said with increased travel over the long weekend and the end of the school holidays, PIRSA reminds travellers on the need to follow the movement rules regarding restricted produce.

“Even though we’ve had no new Queensland fruit fly outbreaks in the Riverland for more than two months, the threat remains real. And all it takes is one piece of infected fruit to set us back,” he said.

“If you get caught carrying restricted fruit and vegetables you’ll receive a fine of $417 and I am sure you won’t want that hit to the wallet.

“The simplest way to follow the rules – and protect the Riverland – is to not pack fruit or vegetables. Eat it before you travel or place it in a designated quarantine bin before reaching the border. Better yet, shop local once you arrive and support our South Australian producers.

“If you're bringing home-grown produce, prepare it properly before you leave – our website has great recipe ideas to make your fruit safe to share."

Visit fruitfly.sa.gov.au/restricted-produce for more information on restricted produce.
South Australians are also encouraged to remind family and friends visiting over Anzac weekend to follow the rules and help keep the state fruit fly free.

“Anzac tradition is about doing your part, no matter how small. And right now, doing your part means helping stop the spread of fruit fly,” Mr Size said.

“Together, we can protect what matters most.”

Detections and sterile fly releases

Below is a summary of the detections of fruit fly for the 12-week period from 20 January to 13 April 2025:

• No flies were detected in 21 of the 56 Riverland outbreak areas.
• Flies were detected in 35 of the 56 Riverland outbreak areas.

PIRSA will release sterile flies at the following locations until 12 May 2025:

• Barmera
• Berri
• Bookpurnong
• Cobdogla
• Glossop
• Gurra Gurra
• Holder
• Loveday
• Loxton North A
• Lyrup
• Monash, Monash North
• Murtho C,D,E,F
• Overland Corner
• Pike River, Pike River West
• Taylorville
• Winkie
  
  

  Visit fruitfly.sa.gov.au/sit for more information.

  Outbreak end dates

  The end dates for all outbreaks are as follows:

  • Riverland: 11 December 2025
  • Ceduna: 11 November 2025
  • Glynde: 24 November 2025
  • Salisbury North: 24 November 2025