No new Queensland fruit fly outbreaks were declared, and no outbreak area boundaries were extended in the Riverland from 7 to 20 November 2023.
The total number of outbreaks remains at 45 and restrictions remain in place for existing outbreak and suspension areas.
The Fruit Fly Emergency Response Team has welcomed a new Incident Controller, Con Poulos, who joined the team earlier this month.
Mr Poulos brings a wealth of experience to the response program having previously held positions with the National Fruit Fly Advisory Committee and Horticultural Coalition, as well as Executive Chair of Citrus SA. He was also a director of a large winegrape growing cooperative and a wine company.
A Riverland resident with a small horticultural property in Monash, Mr Poulos will be based at the Loxton Research Centre, providing significant local knowledge to the eradication program.
'I'm honoured to join the dedicated and determined emergency response team here at PIRSA, and taking on a new role in the fight against the fruit fly pest impacting the Riverland,' he said.
'Our depth and breadth of experience in a range of fields is the advantage we have over fruit fly, and I look forward to bringing new perspectives to the table as we work together in our goal of eradication.'
General Manager of the Fruit Fly Response, Paul Dowsett, believes Mr Poulos' appointment will strengthen the connections between the response team and the Riverland community.
'Coming from the Riverland, Con has deep connections with his local community members who are suffering from the fruit fly outbreaks,' he said.
'We know that Con's direction will be informed at all times by his commitment to, and interests in, the welfare of the community.'
The appointment of Mr Poulos to the Riverland Fruit Fly response also coincides with the full relocation of the Operations team from Loxton to Barmera, with the new depot now located at 52 Field Day Drive.
Current SIT releases are occurring at Paringa, Loxton, Lyrup, Kingston on Murray, and Overland Corner until 17 December. With SIT release locations changing every 6 weeks, local residents can check sterile insect technology to keep up to date on potential activity in their area.
PIRSA staff are also continuing to visit properties to inspect yards, apply organic bait, check for signs of fruit fly in fruit, and provide residents with information about what they need to do.
Growers and residents are urged to search their address on the fruit fly interactive map to understand the restrictions in place within the 1.5 km red outbreak and 15 km yellow suspension areas.
To learn more about reducing the risk of outbreaks, visit outbreak restrictions for details.
There are no new extensions to existing outbreak areas.
Outbreak area boundary extensions also affect yellow suspension area boundaries.
Search your address on the fruit fly interactive map to see how fruit and vegetable movement restrictions affect you, depending where you live, travel, work or go to school, and learn what you need to do within the 1.5 km red outbreak area and 15 km yellow suspension areas.
Total outbreak breakdown includes:
| Outbreak area | Current (12 week period, up to 13 Nov) | Previous fortnight |
|---|---|---|
| Outbreak areas with no detections for >12 weeks | 17 | 14 |
| Outbreak areas with detections during the last 12 weeks | 28 | 31 |
| Total outbreaks | 45 | 45 |
The end date for all outbreaks is currently 8 February 2024, but this may change if more fruit flies are detected.
If you feel overwhelmed about this situation, our Family and Business (FaB) support mentors can help.
FaB mentors are local Riverlanders who can support you through this challenging time. You can have a free, informal, confidential and independent conversation with them in person, or by phone. Learn more about FaB mentors or call them directly:
- Robyn Cain - 0411 633 085
- John Chase - 0419 848 672
- Brent Fletcher - 0439 409 430
For more information about the fruit fly, self-baiting, or the latest outbreak advice, visit fruitfly.sa.gov.au or call the Fruit Fly Hotline on 1300 666 010.