WITHOUT an adequately funded Fruit Fly Program, Queensland Fruit Fly (Qfly) populations could increase by more than 200 per cent and up to 600 per cent in the Goulburn Murray Valley (GMV) by 2026, threatening the region’s billion-dollar horticultural industry.
The Fruit Fly Program, introduced in 2017/2018, initially reduced Qfly numbers by 95 per cent within its first year, followed by an additional 60 per cent reduction the following year. However, continued government funding cuts since the program’s inception have compromised efforts to control the pest, particularly from 2020/21 onward.
Now, the Victorian Government plans to terminate funding entirely from June 2025. Since 2017/2018, funding has been slashed by 62.5 per cent according to Cobram & District Fruit Growers Association – an unsustainable reduction, according to expert analysis.
Internationally recognised fruit fly specialist Andrew Jessup has warned that without a properly funded Area Wide Management (AWM) program, Qfly numbers could surge by 205 per cent in the best-case scenario, and over 600 per cent in the worst case.
“The high input Area Wide Management strategy was a fruit fly management success,” said Mr Jessup. “Never before has the whole community, from the State Government to the backyard grower worked so well together to the benefit of all.”
At present, most fruit growers protect their farms from Qfly using baits and spray, however, do so at significant cost to their bottom line. Significantly less funding since 2021 has resulted in less proactive Qfly management occurring within urban areas, and Mr Jessup outlined that urban and peri-urban fruit fly management is crucial to managing numbers in rural areas.
Horticulture in the GMV contributes an estimated $1.6B to Gross Regional Product (GRP), supporting thousands of jobs and providing significant economic benefits to the region. In 2020/21, Victorian horticulture accounted for 30 per cent of Australia’s total GRP, with exports making up 45 per cent of the nation’s total horticultural exports.
“The Victorian Government has not committed to funding beyond June 2025 and is effectively walking away from its biosecurity responsibilities,” commented Tony Siciliano, chair of the GMV Fruit Fly Governance Group.
Adrian Conti, chair of the Cobram Fruit Growers Association, added, “The Victorian Government must take expert recommendations seriously to safeguard horticulture before growers’ livelihoods and regional economies suffer severe consequences.
“Effective fruit fly management protects the region’s exports and preserves GMV’s reputation as a reliable source of high-quality horticultural produce.”
