In a new pilot program, the South Australian government and a Riverland council will target backyard fruit trees to stop the spread of fruit fly. The program will be rolled out within the coming months. Waikerie residents will be given the option to remove their backyard fruit trees, at no cost.
Primary Industries Minister Clare Scriven said about 300 property owners would be invited to take part in the program, which would enable the council to pick up any unwanted trees, transport them to its refuse area, and turn them into woodchip.
Ms Scriven also announced that Riverland residents would now be allowed to freely move fruit and vegetables purchased from local retailers within the region provided they were stored securely, and residents had an itemised receipt.
Source: abc.net.au