The Andrews Labor Government is taking action to protect our $2.4 billion horticulture industry, with a new five-year fruit fly management action plan now open for public consultation.
Minister for Agriculture Jaala Pulford said the draft action plan focused on strengthening co-ordination and collaboration of fruit fly management, improving management generally and protecting trade.
Developed in consultation with industry, community, local government and state government representatives, the plan provides a co-ordinated, collaborative and proactive approach to fruit fly management up until 2020.
The plan, which defines the priority areas of focus for fruit fly management for government, industry and fruit fly impacted communities, will ensure management is enhanced and trade opportunities for all Victorian growing regions optimised.
Stakeholder representatives met at a forum in Melbourne in July to share opportunities for co-ordinated action and to define the roles and responsibilities of all stakeholders impacted by fruit fly management. Following the forum, a high level action plan was drafted and received positive feedback from many stakeholders.
The latest draft version of the plan explores the actions and responsibilities in more detail and highlights the importance of regional plans which will be developed as a result of the state-wide plan.
The plan also highlights the importance of Victoria’s alignment to the National Fruit Fly Strategy and working closely with other jurisdictions across Australia to share information, avoid duplication and ensure coordination and consistency of fruit fly management on our borders.
The draft five-year action plan can be viewed at with feedback sought until 16 September 2015.
Following this public consultation period, a finalised plan will be developed and released in November 2015.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture Jaala Pulford
“Fruit fly is everyone’s responsibility – I would urge all impacted stakeholders to view the draft action plan and provide their feedback.”
“This plan will provide industry, government and impacted communities with a co-ordinated, collaborative and proactive approach to fruit fly management up until 2020, ensuring trade opportunities are maximised for all growing regions.”
“We’re taking action to protect our $2.4 billion horticulture industry and supporting its long term growth and resilience.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020