A message from the Mayor - Queensland Fruit Fly

Published on 31 August 2015

Last Friday I spent the day in Swan Hill at the Murray River Group of Councils Annual Conference. The Murray Group of Councils was formed almost ten years ago, when six local government councils joined forces to work together to advocate for our regional communities.

I must say it was a great day, with the Hon. Jaala Pulford, Minister for Regional Development and Agriculture joining us to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing regional areas today.

The Murray Region Group of Councils allows Councils along the Murray to work together on issues affecting our communities. One issue that we have in common is the problem of Queensland Fruit Fly. Many of you would be aware that an active group from our region is spearheading an effort to remove Queensland Fruit Fly from our domestic gardens. 

The program is being coordinated by the Greater Sunraysia Pest Free Area Industry Development Committee (GSPFAIDC) and I really want to thank them for their unwavering commitment to educating the community about this issue. Council are proud to be offering them support in this great campaign.

Last year Swan Hill City Council undertook a trial of the program which proved to be very successful and this year, we’re hoping to see similar results here.  I know I was personally frustrated last year hearing tales of fruit infested with this pest in our domestic gardens and as a resident, I want to make sure I’m not contributing to the spread into our commercial crops.

Queensland Fruit Fly is a significant pest and has the potential to seriously threaten Australia’s $6.9billion horticultural industry. The Mildura and district region is particularly affected by QFF with millions of dollars and hundreds of jobs at risk.  Outbreaks of QFF impact on growers’ ability to market and sell their produce.

As part of the campaign, a mass trapping program is being rolled out and the GSPFAIDC are looking for help in distributing the traps throughout the Mildura and Wentworth municipalities.  In our region alone, more than 17,000 need to be distributed to households during the month of September.

If you’re part of a local sporting or social group, not-for-profit organisation or school and are looking to make a little extra money, please think about getting involved in this project.  For every kit you deliver, you could earn your group $2. 

If you're interested in helping out with this program or would like more information please contact GSPFAIDC on (03) 5022 0327 or 0419 352 291 today.

Further information about the Greater Sunraysia Pest Free Area is also available online at www.pestfreearea.com.au

Glenn Milne
Mayor