The Andrews Labor Government is supporting local communities to manage Queensland Fruit Fly (QFF) in the Goulburn Valley with a $375,000 grant.
The release of the grant is in addition to the $559,000 previously allocated to fund an extensive trapping program in the Goulburn Murray Valley and the appointment of a Regional Fruit Fly Coordinator.
The $6.7 million Managing Fruit Fly – Regional Grants Program will see a coordinated and collaborative approach to fruit fly management across the Goulburn Valley, Yarra Valley and the Greater Sunraysia region.
The grant will enable the Moira Shire Council and the industry led Goulburn Murray Valley Regional Governance Group to supress the fruit fly population and reduce the number of potential host plants in the region.
It will also provide an extensive communication and engagement program to ensure people are aware of the fruit fly risks and the need for the whole community to work together if Queensland QFF is to be managed.
Fruit fly pose a significant threat to Victoria’s growing horticulture industry, disrupting production and trade worldwide.
If fruit fly numbers are not controlled it poses significant risk to our multi-million dollar fruit industry and home gardens in the region which includes the towns of Shepparton, Ardmona, Cobram, Mooroopna, Tatura and Kyabram.
A second round of grant funding for other fruit fly programs within the regions will be released later in the year.
Regional Action Plans have been developed collaboratively by local Fruit Fly Regional Governance Groups comprising industry, state and local government and the community to manage fruit fly.
The grants will support the delivery of the Regional Action plans which align with the Labor Government’s Managing Fruit Fly Action Plan 2015-2020.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture Jaala Pulford
“Managing fruit fly is everyone’s responsibility and the regional grants are enabling industry and community to take ownership on issues relevant to their region which will give us the best results.”
“Horticulture exports are growing fast, up 26 per cent in the last year. Managing fruit fly numbers is so important for growers wanting to export their fruit to the world.”
Quote attributable to Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes
“This additional boost is a welcome shot in the arm to our growers in the Goulburn Valley and means we have locals with knowledge on the ground managing what is a serious threat our horticulture industry.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020