Vigilance vital to Riverland eradication

The Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) is urging residents across all Riverland areas to remain vigilant in the collective fight against Queensland fruit fly and continue taking simple steps to help protect the region’s $1.58 billion horticulture industry.

General Manager of the Fruit Fly Response, Jason Size, said recent monitoring highlights that fruit fly activity is not evenly distributed across the region.

“It is important to not move around fruit that’s at risk of fruit fly, especially from an area with higher pest numbers into areas where we’ve had low or no detections," said Mr Size.

"We are constantly monitoring fruit fly activity across the Riverland and I encourage everyone to check the weekly detections map on the fruit fly website to understand what is happening in their local area.

“Over the past four weeks we’ve seen an increase in detections at three localities: Renmark West, Barmera and Monash.

"Mapping data is updated weekly, highlighting the importance of maintaining control measures to manage the risk of fruit fly moving between sites, including good garden hygiene” Mr Size said.

Simple steps like not moving fresh produce and following PIRSA's advice on garden maintenance are key to stopping the spread of fruit fly and breaking the fruit fly life cycle.

“Residents play an important role by understanding the threat, being engaged, taking responsibility, and following the guidelines,” Mr Size added.

PIRSA recently launched a Pick & Collect trial program, making it even easier for Riverland residents in selected areas to remove unwanted home-grown produce from their properties. During the trial, PIRSA will deliver special biodegradable bags and ties to residential properties in selected areas for unwanted homegrown produce, then collect it and provide fresh bags. Find out if you're in a trial area and learn what you can do to help make the program a success at fruitfly.sa.gov.au/pick-collect

For more information on outbreak areas, visit fruitfly.sa.gov.au/outbreaks or call the 24-hour Fruit Fly Hotline on 1300 666 010.

Current outbreak end dates

As of Monday 19 October 2026, the end dates for all outbreaks remain as:

• Riverland: 6 January 2027
• Elizabeth East: 12 December 2026

Contact

PIRSA Family and Business (FaB) mentors are available to support Riverland residents through this challenging time. FaB mentors are available for free, informal, confidential, and independent conversation in person or over the phone.

Riverland and Murraylands FaB mentors include Robyn Cain (0411 633 085), John Chase (0419 848 672), and Brent Fletcher (0439 409 430). Learn more at pir.sa.gov.au/fabs or call the FaB mentors directly.