THE Goulburn Murray Valley (GMV) Fruit Fly Program is a successful example of community collaboration. It brings together farmers, local communities, schools and government agencies to combat the Queensland fruit fly. Central to this effort is an education program that gives everyone from commercial growers to students the knowledge and responsibility to protect the region’s horticulture industry. More than just pest control, the GMV program fosters a strong sense of community and shared action.
At the core of GMV’s success is area-wide management. As GMV Regional Fruit Fly Coordinator Ross Abberfield said:
“For area-wide management to work effectively, we need cultural collaboration across the entire community. It’s essentially about awareness, education and engagement. It means everyone from government to industry to the broader community taking ownership of fruit fly management on the land they manage.”
The program combines practical action with education. Since 2017, more than 150,000 unmanaged fruit trees have been removed at no cost and over 40,000 information packs have been distributed. Schools participate through hands-on programs, while community workshops, farmers’ markets and media campaigns reach tens of thousands, spreading awareness across the region.
“It’s about creating awareness and education and ultimately getting people to become engaged and take ownership of managing fruit trees and vegetables. Every unmanaged tree is a potential breeding site, making shared responsibility critical,” Mr Abberfield said.
The results have been clear. There was a 95 per cent drop in fruit fly numbers in the first fully funded year, with a sustained 60 per cent reduction across the GMV. Innovative trials, such as the sterile insect technique in Cobram, have contributed further reductions, demonstrating the power of coordinated, community-driven action.
