United approach to fruit fly area wide management

NO FLIES ON US… From left, Agriculture Victoria Fruit Fly state coordinator, Cathy Mansfield, Moira Shire mayor, Cr Libro Mustica, Agriculture Victoria strategic projects manager, Kelly Joy, National Fruit Fly Council manager, Christina Cook, Greater Shepparton City councillor, Kim O’Keeffe and Goulburn Murray Valley Fruit Fly Project coordinator, Ross Abberfield. Photo: Supplied.
NO FLIES ON US… From left, Agriculture Victoria Fruit Fly state coordinator, Cathy Mansfield, Moira Shire mayor, Cr Libro Mustica, Agriculture Victoria strategic projects manager, Kelly Joy, National Fruit Fly Council manager, Christina Cook, Greater Shepparton City councillor, Kim O’Keeffe and Goulburn Murray Valley Fruit Fly Project coordinator, Ross Abberfield. Photo: Supplied.

A meeting was recently held with the Goulburn Murray Valley Fruit Fly Governance Group, Agriculture Victoria and the manager of the National Fruit Fly Council to discuss opportunities to further enhance the coordinated management of Queensland Fruit Fly.

Goulburn Murray Valley Fruit Fly Project coordinator, Ross Abberfield said the 60 percent reduction in fruit fly trapped at comparative peak periods over the past two years highlighted the project’s success.

“The project has successfully increased awareness, education and engagement of fruit fly,” Mr Abberfield said.

The recent collaboration between key agencies was an opportunity to discuss the Draft National Fruit Fly Strategy 2020-2025, which provides a framework for national cooperation on fruit fly issues. It also identifies four key strategic objectives for Australia: maintain freedom from exotic fruit fly; minimise the incidence and spread of fruit fly; implement national systems that support market access; and facilitate a cooperative and committed national approach to fruit fly management.

The Goulburn Murray Valley Fruit Fly Project is funded by the Victorian Government’s Managing Fruit Fly Regional Grants Program. For more information about the project, visit www.gmv-qldfruitfly.com.au.