The Tasmanian Government is continuing its efforts to eradicate fruit fly from our State.
Today I joined Nic Hansen, from Fruit Growers Tasmania, and Biosecurity Tasmania general manager Lloyd Klumpp and his staff to tour an orchard in the Tamar Valley and see the work first hand.
Approximately 100 Departmental staff are working alongside stakeholders and industry representatives baiting, spraying, trapping, inspecting, monitoring and planning in the control zones.
It is important to recognise that no fruit flies have been detected outside of the two control areas. Currently there are more than 1000 fruit fly traps being monitored all around Tasmania, with many around Hobart.
I have written to and also spoken with the Victorian Minister for Agriculture about the most recent incident involving a grapefruit treated in Victoria and there is a heightened awareness from all States, and the Commonwealth, about biosecurity.
As outlined in our 2017-2050 strategy ``Maintaining Tasmania’s freedom from fruit fly’’ released last year, we are identifying and investigating a range of alternative treatment methods to methyl bromide, like phytosanitary irradiation.
The Tasmanian Government continues to work closely with industry and stakeholders on our response and we thank Tasmanians for their continued vigilance and encourage members of the public with any concerns around fruit fly to contact Biosecurity Tasmania on 6165 3774.
Further information about fruit fly and the latest information can also be found at www.dpipwe.tas.gov.au
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