Marshall Liberal Government has launched a new ‘zero strikes’ fruit fly community awareness campaign to protect the state’s farmers and keep South Australia fruit fly free.
Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Tim Whetstone today launched the revamped campaign with industry members who helped shape the new campaign.
“There are zero strikes and zero excuses for bringing fruit and vegetables into South Australia,” said Minister Whetstone.
“The Marshall Liberal Government is backing our farmers with the revamped campaign. The new design keeps the message fresh and keeps the existing law front of mind for travellers.
“If travellers try to bring fruit or vegetables into South Australia or into a pest free area, they will receive a $375 fine.
“Fruit fly is one of the world’s most destructive pests and we continue to send the travelling public the strong message: don’t ignore the signs. Bin fruit before the border or you’ll pay for it.
“The pest is widespread interstate and we must do everything we can to protect South Australia’s $1.3 billion horticulture industry vulnerable to fruit fly.
“Farmers interstate spend millions on control measures to suppress fruit flies. Our farmers, particularly those in the Riverland, enjoy premium markets overseas because South Australia is fruit fly free.”
Riverland Fruit Fly Committee member Jason Size said it was exciting to see the new campaign being launched.
“Fruit fly awareness with members of the public is critical, we need to educate travellers about South Australia’s quarantine requirements,” Mr Size said.
“As a grower, we have many benefits being in a fruit fly free state, and especially the internationally recognised Riverland Pest Free area.
“It enables us to grow our fruit without the need for pesticides and allows us to export our produce to markets without the need for treatments.”
The zero strikes campaign will run across billboards, newspapers, radio and social media, including at key entry traveller points at the airport, rail and bus terminals.
The importance of the State Government’s zero tolerance approach is highlighted by the two current outbreaks of fruit fly in metropolitan Adelaide at Blair Athol and Croydon Park. There is a large contingent of biosecurity officers on the ground going door to door inspecting trees and fruit to control the outbreak.
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