The ring of fruit fly protection around the Riverland is being strengthened today with the introduction of a complete ban on host fruit and vegetables being Brough in by travellers, including fruit purchased from Adelaide shops.
Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development David Basham said the ongoing pressure from fruit flies on the borders of the Riverland and larvae found in interstate fruit sold in shops has required implementation of tougher protections.
“Coming into effect tomorrow, travellers can no longer use a receipt to bring fruit and vegetables into the Riverland that has been purchased in South Australian shops,” Minister Basham said.
“As we move closer to Spring, the Marshall Liberal Government will adopt a nothing left in the locker approach to eradicating fruit fly and keeping the Riverland pest free.
“Larvae detections in interstate fruit purchased at Adelaide supermarkets this year have proven the inspection regimes in eastern states are not robust enough to fully protect the internationally recognised Riverland Pest Free Area.
“There is too much interstate fruit entering the Adelaide market and it is impossible to track properly treated fruit once it leaves the supermarket.
“We have changed the law from travellers being able to show a South Australian receipt to bring in fruit and vegetables that are a fruit fly risk, to a complete ban.
This is necessary to protect the internationally recognised Riverland Pest Free Area.
“Our message remains consistent, do not bring fruit or vegetables at risk from fruit fly into the Riverland.
“The law change will impact those entering the Riverland from Adelaide where travellers traditionally bring receipts to demonstrate the produce has been purchased in a South Australian supermarket.
“Random roadblock figures this year show around one in ten travellers continue to flout the law and bring illegal fruit fly host material into the Riverland.
“We have no choice but to strengthen the ‘zero tolerance to fruit fly’ policy and impose stricter measures on the entry of fruit into the Riverland to protect communities, jobs and livelihoods.
“When you’re planning a trip to the Riverland, check the list of fruit and vegetables on the fruit fly website and find out what you can pack and what you cannot. If in doubt, leave it at home.
“Fresh fruit and vegetables are still available to purchase in Riverland shops, so buy their and support local businesses in the region.
“We are making this change to protect our growers from the scourge of fruit fly, which threatens our $1.3 billion horticulture industry vulnerable to fruit fly and the thousands of jobs the industry supports.
Fruit fly host material grown interstate must now be treated with specific approved treatments before it can be packed and transported for sale in Riverland shops and supermarkets.
For more information about the changes, visit fruitfly.sa.gov.au
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