Mayor Libro Mustica said Queensland fruit fly was a constant threat to the region’s annual production of hundreds of thousands of tonnes of fruit and vegetables that could act as hosts for the insect.
“This program has achieved a 60 per cent reduction in QFF populations between 2017 to 19,” he said.
“It continues to design innovative approaches to manage QFF with the most recent being undertaking a sterile insect technique trial where sterile male fruit flies were released in the Cobram area.
“The program’s success has been acknowledged recently by receiving the Regional Achiever of the Year Award as well as winning first place in the Prime Super Agricultural Innovation Awards.”
The Victorian Government has already contributed $2.4 million to this program, with funding scheduled to finish in June next year.
“Continued effective QFF control via this program helps prevent a major environmental threat to horticulture through education and host tree removal and monitoring,” Cr Mustica said.
“This also helps the environment in limiting chemical control measures.”
In response, a spokesperson said the government understood the importance of managing the pest.
“Queensland fruit fly is a threat to our horticulture production and to our community and private gardens,” the spokesperson said.
“We recognise the importance of shared responsibility in managing this established pest, that is why we developed the action plan five years ago."
Country News understands Agriculture Victoria is considering future fruit fly management arrangements but nothing was confirmed by the spokesperson.
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