Thanks to the single largest biosecurity action of its kind in Tasmania, the Queensland Fruit Fly (QFF) Control Area and Infected Area restrictions in Northern Tasmania have been lifted.
This means that from 12:01am on 9 January 2019 normal movement of fruit around the State have resumed.
Lifting of restrictions on mainland Tasmania is a huge respite for fruit growers and our economy more broadly, especially within rural communities.
Our fruit industry is worth approximately $154 million a year at the farm gate, multiplying to over three times that value when it is processed and sold as food products.
Restrictions on the movement of fruit in the Northern Control Area were put in place in early 2018 following the discovery of QFF in Tasmania.
This achievement would not have been possible without the cooperation of the community and industry.
On behalf of the Hodgman majority Liberal Government, I would like to extend a big thank you to fruit growers, industry groups, retail and small businesses, and the general public for your patience, support and vigilance.
I also extend my sincere thanks to all DPIPWE and other Government staff who worked so hard both during and after the incursion to ensure Tasmania re-attained its Pest Free Area status.
We are working closely with the Australian Government to finalise the technical information each of our trading partners need for international markets to reopen. Importantly, the valuable local and domestic trade has reopened.
Our eradication efforts continue on Flinders Island and we also look forward to the Island being fruit fly free in March, should there be no further detections.
While achieving Pest Free Area status on mainland Tasmania is great news, we all must remain vigilant and take our Island’s biosecurity very seriously in order to protect our agricultural industries.
To retain Tasmania’s Pest Free Area status, I ask everyone to remain on the lookout and report any signs of fruit fly or suspect produce to Biosecurity Tasmania on (03) 6165 3774.
More information about Queensland Fruit Fly can be found on the website: www.dpipwe.tas.gov.au/fruitfly
More Media Releases from Guy Barnett
More Media Releases from the Minister for Primary Industries and Water