Tasmania’s fruit fly-free status back on track

Tasmania’s fruit fly nightmare is almost at an end, with the state on the cusp of regaining its precious fruit fly-free status.

The Queensland fruit fly.

TASMANIA’S fruit fly nightmare is almost at an end, with the state on the cusp of regaining its precious fruit fly-free status.

Today marks the end of a period of exclusion zones established to ensure the containment and eradication of the fruit fly threat.

Senator Richard Colbeck. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources Richard Colbeck told ABC radio’s Country Hour the end of that time period meant trading could begin for fruit growers within the state.

“We can (now) commence the next stage of the process which is working with our trading partners to recognise our fruit fly-free status for the whole of the state. Now we’ve had that one generation plus 28 days free of fruit fly here in Tassie,” Senator Colbeck said.

Tasmania’s fruit industry is worth approximately $154 million a year at the farm gate and more than three times that value when processed and sold as food products.

Tasmania’s fruit fly-free status underpins state fruit and nut exports worth $100 million.

Primary Industries Minister Guy Barnett (right) with Fruit Growers Tasmania CEO Stuart Burgess (left) and Hillwood Berries General Manager Simon Dornauf (centre) at Hillwood Berries farm in November. Picture: CHRIS KIDD

State Government Primary Industries Minister Guy Barnett said the restrictions on the movement of fruit in the northern control area were put in place in early 2018 after the discovery of Queensland Fruit Fly in Tasmania.

“Lifting of restrictions on mainland Tasmania is a huge respite for fruit growers and our economy more broadly, especially within rural communities,” he said.

“I would like to extend a big thank you to fruit growers, industry groups, retail and small businesses, and the general public for your patience, support and vigilance.”

Mr Barnett said they were working with the Federal Government to finalise technical information with trading partners needed for international markets to reopen.

He said local and domestic trade had reopened.

Eradication efforts continue on Flinders Island, which will be fruit fly-free in March, if there are no further detections.

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