RENEWED funding for the Goulburn Murray Valley (GMV) fruit fly area-wide management program has been welcomed by industry and community leaders, following a six-month gap that left the region exposed during a critical control period.
Program coordinator Ross Abberfield said the program was effectively shut down around March-April last year, with uncertainty placing both its future and his role in doubt.
“I was expecting to finish up completely by June 30,” Mr Abberfield said. “Greater Shepparton City Council stepped in to supplement the program while we waited for a formal funding agreement from Agriculture Victoria.”
The pause meant the region missed much of the vital winter-to-spring window, when overwintering fruit fly emerge and early intervention is most effective. Funding has now been secured until June 30, 2026, allowing the program to re-employ staff, re-engage stakeholders and re-establish its trapping grid across the GMV.
“While the fruit season is well advanced, we’re moving into post-harvest hygiene measures,” Mr Abberfield said. “But I keep hearing from the industry that they need long-term certainty beyond 2026.”
At its peak in 2020, the program relied on more than 3,500 volunteers across councils, industry and community groups.
“That’s area-wide management in its true form,” Mr Abberfield said. However, ongoing funding uncertainty has led to volunteer disengagement, with restoring certainty now a key challenge.
When fully resourced, the program achieved fruit fly population reductions of up to 95 per cent.
“The backbone of the program is our volunteers — Lions and Rotary clubs, garden clubs, nurseries, men’s sheds and individuals passionate about horticulture,” he said.
Lions Club Second Vice District Governor Mark Nordbye said Lions was proud to support the program.
“Lions have trained members to visit schools, distribute information at markets and events, and provide advice to manage fruit fly,” Mr Nordbye said. “If left uncontrolled, fruit fly could devastate the nation’s food bowl. As long as there is a commitment to the program, Lions will remain committed. Too much work has been done to throw it away.”
The Goulburn Murray Fruit Fly Program incorporates the municipal areas of Greater Shepparton, Moira Shire, Campaspe Shire and Strathbogie Shire councils. Moira Shire Council chair administrator Dr Graeme Emonson PSM welcomed the funding.
“We are pleased this funding will allow the program to continue its critical work in fruit fly education and control,” Dr Emonson said. “Horticulture is vital to Moira’s economy and community, and Queensland fruit fly is a major threat. We hope the program can continue to support our farmers and communities.”
Mr Abberfield said horticulture’s economic value made the fruit fly program essential to the region and the industry.
“The Murray Valley is Australia’s largest stone fruit producer, and the Goulburn Valley is the largest canning pear producer in the southern hemisphere,” he said. “Horticulture is worth about $1.6 billion to this region. Losing it would mean fewer jobs, families and students, with flow-on effects for businesses and tourism.”
The GMV fruit fly program is supported by the Victorian Government and delivered in partnership with councils, grower groups and community organisations. For more information, visit fruitflycontrol.com.
