Visitors to South Australia are being urged to leave all fruit and vegetables at home and buy local over the summer school holidays.
As South Australia continues to battle Mediterranean and Queensland fruit fly outbreaks, travellers are encouraged to check restrictions on the movement of fruit fly host material before entering the state.
Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development David Basham said with many people travelling from interstate or moving between Adelaide and the Riverland over the school holiday period, it is important to be vigilant in the fight against fruit fly.
“The Marshall Liberal Government has spent over $50 million in eradicating fruit fly outbreaks from South Australia but we are heavily reliant on people doing the right thing,” Minister Basham said.
“If you’re travelling into South Australia these summer holidays we welcome you with open arms but don’t pack a pest like fruit fly with you or you’ll be stung with a fine.
“We continue to take a zero tolerance approach to fruit fly and remind all visitors to dispose of any fruit fly host fruit and vegetables prior to reaching roadblocks such as at Yamba.
“These measures protect our $1.3 billion horticulture industry and communities that rely upon it.”
Minister Basham said it was the perfect time to tidy up the garden for those staying at home during the holiday period.
“If you’re staying home, you can break the fruit fly life cycle by collecting fallen fruit in your garden and putting it in the green bin. Remember to check it for blemishes or maggots and report anything suspicious to the Fruit Fly Hotline on 1300 666 010,” Minister Basham said.
“It’s summer fruit season now, with apricots, peaches, plums, nectarines, berries and tomatoes ripening in gardens.
“Travellers to the Riverland are reminded of the recent change to the ‘receipt’ rule and you can no longer bring certain fruit and vegetables into the Riverland with a receipt.
“You can’t miss the signs, please use the quarantine bins to dispose of any fresh produce before you enter the area.”
For more information about fruit fly in South Australia and the restrictions currently in place, visit www.fruitfly.sa.gov.au
