YAMBA quarantine station has received a $1.5 million infrastructure upgrade to further improve the site and protect the Riverland region from fruit fly.
The state-government funded upgrade will include an additional pull-off area for investigation when fruit fly host materials are detected, new entry and exit routes, and extra office accommodation.
The upgrade is underway and is expected to be completed by the end of the month.
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Extra compliance officers have also been hired to carry out checks at the site.
In the lead up to the infrastructure improvements, permanent signage and quarantine disposal bins with solar lights were installed on the Sturt Highway near the SA border.
Primary Industries Minister Tim Whetstone said the threats posed by fruit fly meant tight biosecurity measures needed to be maintained.
It only takes one piece of infested fruit to cause devastation to the state's horticulture industry and communities.
- TIM WHETSTONE
"South Australia continues to feel the pressure from fruit fly at all entry points and that is why we are investing in upgrades to the Yamba Quarantine Station," he said.
"It only takes one piece of infested fruit to cause devastation to the state's horticulture industry and communities."
Mr Whetstone said people bringing restricted produce into SA could face fines up to $100,000, and urged travellers to keep this in mind during the long weekend.
"If you are travelling from interstate into SA or into the Riverland during the break please leave your fruit and vegetables at home, otherwise you will pay the penalty," he said.
