Dear Editor,
I wish to inform your readers that I have written to the Minister for Agriculture seeking confirmation of continued funding of the Goulburn Murray Valley Regional Fruit Fly Program.
Our region is a significant horticultural producer, an industry that supports 5000 jobs and is valued at $762.5 million. Fruit production in the region feeds families across Australia and the economic reliance of the industry extends to processing, packaging, transport and tourism.
The program has successfully reduced Queensland Fruit Fly (QFF) populations by 60% from 2017 to 2019, this year receiving the Regional Achiever of the Year Award as further recognition. Despite these incredible successes, QFF poses a serious and ongoing threat and continued financial support from the Government is essential to sustain protection of the industry.
I have asked the Government to provide immediate reassurance to our region by confirming ongoing funding of the GMVRFFP for the next three years and will keep communities updated.
Tania Maxwell MP
Member for Northern Victoria
