A FUNDING increase will help efforts to remove Sunraysia trees that aren’t being cared for.
With the citrus and apple season under way, unkempt backyard trees across the district continue to present a risk for fruit fly population growth.
The Greater Sunraysia Pest Free Area’s (GSPFA) committee recently received a $348,000 boost to their tree removal program.
The State Government provided the money via the second round of funding under the Managing Fruit Fly – Regional Action Plan Grants Program.
Minister for Agriculture, Jaala Pulford, announced $348,490 for the project.
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“Queensland Fruit Fly is a serious pest and needs a collaborative approach to reduce its impact on the state’s horticultural industries, which are worth $1.1 billion to Victoria’s export economy," Ms Pulford said.
“Managing fruit fly is everyone’s responsibility and these grants enable industry and the community to take ownership of fruit fly control in their region.”
The grant will help the Committee continue operations to the end of its term in December, and roll out initiatives that align with the Managing fruit fly in Victoria Action Plan and Regional Action Plan in the Greater Sunraysia area.
The Labor Government is encouraging all citrus, stonefruit and table grape growers to continue supporting the Committee’s planned fruit fly management activities.
The Government will continue to support and work with growers in the region, with discussions underway with industry around the prospect of a petition for a new vote and industry development order.
The second round of the Regional Action Plan Grants is a part of the Government’s larger $6.7 million Managing Fruit Fly – Regional Grants Program.
The program supports a coordinated and collaborative approach to fruit fly management in Victoria, with a special focus on projects that contribute to protecting local horticultural industries.
