The Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) is reminding travellers that anyone caught with prohibited fruit and vegetables this holiday season could face a $417 fine.
The reminder comes after PIRSA confirmed a new Queensland fruit fly outbreak at Lindsay Point, following the discovery of larvae in an apricot - the 55th outbreak in the Riverland region since December 2020.
To combat the spread, PIRSA fruit fly officers will be in the affected area applying approved bait and monitoring for further signs of fruit fly. Local residents and businesses will also receive information regarding the outbreak.
Jason Size, Incident Controller of the Fruit Fly Emergency Response, stressed the importance of preventing fruit fly from spreading during the holiday period.
"If you're travelling into the Riverland or returning to South Australia this holiday season, make sure fruit fly doesn't hitch a ride with you," Mr Size said.
"It’s crucial that travellers and residents do the right thing by leaving restricted homegrown produce at home."
Travellers caught with restricted produce at a random roadblock or quarantine station will face the $417 fine.
Quarantine bins are located at key entry points to the state and the Riverland, including roads, airports, and bus and train terminals, for safe disposal of restricted items.
However, the best advice for travellers is to refrain from packing any fruit and vegetables. Instead, plan to shop for local produce when you reach your destination.
"Protecting our state’s $1.3 billion horticultural industry from the threat of fruit fly is critical," Mr Size said.
"This vital sector supports more than 4000 horticultural businesses and employs 37,500 people statewide."
Before you hit the road, visit fruitfly.sa.gov.au for a complete list of restricted fruit and vegetables, as well as safe travel snack alternatives.
PIRSA is releasing sterile flies at Lindsay Point, Loxton, Murtho, Murtho B, New Residence and Pyap until 23 February 2025. Visit fruitfly.sa.gov.au/sit for more information.
Search your address on the fruit fly interactive outbreak map at fruitfly.sa.gov.au/outbreak-map to see if fruit and vegetable movement restrictions affect you where you live, travel, work, or go to school.
PIRSA Family and Business (FaB) Mentors are available to help Riverland residents through this challenging time. FaB Mentors are available for a free, informal, confidential and independent conversation in person or over the phone.
Our FaB Mentors include Robyn Cain (0411 633 085), John Chase (0419 848 672), and Brent Fletcher (0439 409 430). Learn more at pir.sa.gov.au/fabs or call the FaB Mentors directly.
For more information about fruit fly, self-baiting, or the latest outbreak advice, visit fruitfly.sa.gov.au or call the 24-Hour Fruit Fly Hotline on 1300 666 010.
