Since its establishment in 2017, the Goulburn Murray Valley (GMV) Regional Fruit Fly Project was set up to encourage the community, industry and government to take ownership in managing fruit fly in our region. Their unified approach not only protects our economy and lifestyle, it also promotes quality horticulture, product exports, rural investment and tourism.
In recognition of their efforts as a leader in the area wide management of Queensland Fruit Fly (QFF), the GMV Regional Fruit Fly Project has received two awards at the 2019 Victorian Regional Achievement and Community Awards. The project was crowned cream of the crop at the October 11 gala presentation dinner, winning first place in the Prime Super Agricultural Innovation Awards and voted overall winner of the Victorian Regional Achiever of the Year by an independent panel of experts.
GMV Regional Fruit Fly coordinator, Ross Abberfield attributed the project’s success to the continued commitment of project partners to come together and take a fresh and innovative approach to combating fruit fly through area wide management.
“The cohesive nature of the project’s core objectives to limit the effects of the pest, coupled with the community’s willingness to get behind the ‘No Flies On Us’ message has resulted in gains on a number of fronts against fruit fly,” Mr Abberfield said.
“Each of our project partners has played a pivotal role in raising awareness and creating engagement concerning the risks posed by QFF, to not only home gardeners but the region’s multi-million dollar horticulture industry and the local economy. I would like to thank and acknowledge them for the role they have played in the project’s success so far.”
The project will continue to improve its strategy to reduce the spread of the pest by monitoring fruit fly numbers whist retaining its regional trapping grid, deploying field officers to manage hotspot areas, removing unmanaged breeding habitats and promoting community awareness, education and engagement.
For more information on the GMV Regional Fruit Fly Project and QFF area wide management, visit www.gmv-qldfruitfly.com.au
