Fruit fly education hits South Australian classrooms with new booklet

The new booklet, Buzz Off Fruit Fly, brings to life in an engaging way a very serious issue currently affecting SA, as part of a new Schools Resource Kit available on the fruit fly website.

Primary industries minister David Basham said everyone needs to play their part in stopping the spread of fruit fly, as outbreaks continue to affect over 300 Adelaide suburbs, Port Augusta and the Riverland.

"We know a lot of conversations in the family home centre around what's happening at school which is why this new booklet, Buzz Off Fruit Fly, will help raise awareness of the everyday things SA can do support fruit fly eradication," he said.

"Whether it's knowing what fruit and vegetables fruit fly like, disposing of scraps the right way or helping tidy up the garden, there's lots children and families can do.

The Buzz off Fruit Fly booklet explores the impact of fruit fly in home gardens and offers practical tips such as how to identify fruit flies and the importance of putting fruit in green bins rather than composting.

Minister for education John Gardner said new green bins were being distributed in September to public schools in Adelaide's red outbreak areas to support the safe disposal of fruit on site.

"This new education campaign is all about helping raising awareness in our schools of the importance of keeping SA fruit fly free," he said.

"Families with school-age students have done a fantastic job when it comes to abiding by the restrictions on fruit movement which have impacted what can be included in lunchboxes.

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He encourages schools with canteens, particularly in the red outbreak areas, to ensure they provide affordable, commercially-sourced fresh fruit to support families with healthy lunchbox options.

"Any uneaten fruit and scraps can be disposed of in green bins to enable schools to safely manage waste and break the fruit fly life cycle."

Westbourne Park Primary School has been in a fruit fly red outbreak area since 12 January 2021 and Principal Jason Munro said ongoing communication with their school community has helped people understand the importance of fruit fly prevention.

"Our families, students and staff have been supportive of fruit fly restrictions because they understand if we don't follow the rules there is a serious future risk to getting fresh locally-grown fruit," Mr Munro said.

"This year we've kept families informed about fruit fly issues through the school newsletter and our online communication device.

"We've also run an educational workshop with KESAB Environmental Solutions on waste management.

The school has made fresh fruit available for purchase in the canteen also selling frozen fruit on hotter days.

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