Additional staff to help with Leeton fruit fly eradication program

Industry & Investment NSW (I&I NSW) has responded quickly to the detection of Queensland fruit fly at Leeton.

I&I NSW Senior Regulatory Officer - Southern Zone, Wayne Norden, said I&I NSW had implemented a suspension zone, notified industry and employed nine casual staff to help with the eradication program in the area.

He said fruit fly larvae had been found at several urban locations in Leeton following detection of two Queensland fruit fly in permanent monitored traps.  

“An outbreak was declared on 10 December following confirmation that the  larvae was Queensland fruit fly.  

“Extensive larval searches are now being carried out in detection areas and treatment has commenced,” he said. 

Mr Norden said the employment of nine casual staff would greatly assist with the eradication program, which would continue in the Leeton area for at least 12 weeks. 

He said the suspension zone covered a 15-kilometre radius around the detection area.

“Fruit from within this zone must be treated with chemicals before it can move out of the zone and new treatment requirements have been introduced for growers and packers of host fruit,” Mr Norden said.

He reminded travellers passing through the Fruit Fly Exclusion Zone that fruit fly host fruits and vegetables were prohibited in the zone.

“There are road sign warnings and bins for people to dispose of fruit before entering the zone,” Mr Norden said.

Queensland fruit fly is one of the world's worst economic pests of horticultural industries and it is crucial that everyone works together to protect the region’s very valuable fruit and vegetable industry.”