Commercial and local fruit producers across the Yarra Ranges risk infestation of Queensland Fruit Fly as the Allan Labor Government axes statewide funding for fruit fly prevention coordinators, according to Eildon MLA Cindy McLeish (pictured).
Speaking in Parliament, Ms McLeish called on Agriculture Minister Ros Spence, questioning what plans were in place to prevent widescale spreading of this destructive horticultural pest.
“The vital roles of co-ordinators provide a mechanism for government to work with and educate communities to help stop the spread of the fruit fly,” Ms McLeish said.
“There are organisations in the Yarra Ranges such as Fruit Fly Free Yarra Valley who work hard to educate the community and monitor any cases of fruit fly detection in the area.
“It would be incredibly disheartening to see their efforts go to waste because of the lack of government support.
“Prevention needs to be part of the equation. It is too late to contact Agriculture Victoria once the fruit fly has established. Co-ordinators should be part of the shared and collaborative approach.”
Evelyn MLA Bridget Vallence aid, “Local fruit growers in the Yarra Ranges are anxious about the potential devastation of Queensland Fruit Fly outbreaks, and it’s vital we do more, not less, to help protect this premium industry.”
“Removing the role of co-ordinators would be a huge setback for fruit growers across our region.”
“Due to the Labor Government’s financial incompetence, these cuts to the Agriculture Department budget mean that Victorian fruit growers are paying the price,” Ms Vallence said.