The Victorian Government has not yet committed to funding the Goulburn Murray Valley's (GMV) successful and proven Area Wide Management (AWM) Program, which is designed to control Queensland Fruit Fly (Qfly) in the region.
Despite the ongoing threat Qfly poses to both the GMV and broader Victoria, the horticultural industry is anxiously awaiting the outcome of the State Budget, due to be released on 20 May 2025.
An independent analysis conducted last year by internationally renowned fruit fly expert Andrew Jessup warned that without an effective AWM program, the GMV could face a 205% increase in Qfly numbers as a best-case scenario, and a more than 600% increase as a worst-case scenario by 2026.
Program wind-down underway
Currently, the program is winding down due to its scheduled conclusion on 30 June 2025. As a result, "No Flies on Us" signage is being removed across the region, and key resources and initiatives—such as the removal of host trees from public land—have already been forced to cease, in accordance with the expiring funding agreement.
Government ceases monitoring
Compounding the issue, the Victorian Government has announced it will no longer monitor Qfly numbers in the GMV. While it will continue overseeing monitoring traps for exotic insect pests in Victoria, Qfly surveillance specifically within the GMV has ceased.
Industry response
Adrian Conti, President of the Cobram & District Fruit Growers Association, expressed deep concern over the situation:
"The discontinuation of the Area Wide Management program and the cessation of Qfly monitoring demonstrates the lack of care from the Victorian Government regarding Qfly within the GMV."
"While we have an expert warning us about future Qfly numbers, the Victorian Government appears to be sweeping the problem under the carpet – out of sight, out of mind."
"The horticultural industry continues to fight the battle against Qfly, but it is in jeopardy due to the Victorian Government ignoring its duty of care to the industry by not funding the program that protects and safeguards horticulture and our exports."
Conti also highlighted the challenges faced by commercial growers:
"We manage our farms, but we cannot manage government-owned public land, which is a breeding ground for Qfly. Nor can we manage urban areas where backyard growers unintentionally create similar breeding grounds. These areas are completely outside our control, yet growers are being punished for the consequences."
Funding and value
Although the Victorian Government often claims to have allocated over $14.2 million toward Qfly management, the GMV has received just $4.5 million since 2017.
The horticultural industry is now requesting $1 million per year from the Victorian Government to fund the AWM program in the GMV. Given that the GMV horticultural sector is worth over $1.6 billion annually and supports thousands of jobs, industry leaders believe the investment is more than justified.
For more information:
Karen Abberfield
Cobram District Fruit Growers Association
Tel: +61 0458 269 179
Email: [email protected]
www.cdfga.com.au
