The encouragement comes from Berrigan Shire Council as it gets its turn to showcase a 2019 Victoria Regional Achievement and Community Awards trophy won for a combined approach on the pest last month.
The Victorian Regional Achiever of the Year Award was won by the Goulburn Murray Valley (GMV) Regional Fruit Fly Group, of which Berrigan Shire is one of five partnering councils. The group also claimed the Prime Super Agricultural Innovation Award.
The project aims to reduce the spread of fruit fly through area wide management and increased community education.
Berrigan Shire Mayor Matthew Hannan attributed the project’s success to the collaborative approach project partners had taken to combating the pest and protecting the region’s horticulture outputs.
‘‘By working together and taking a collaborative approach we have been able to reduce fruit fly numbers in the region and actually have a positive impact,’’ Cr Hannan said.
‘‘We all need to be aware of the devastation fruit fly can cause the industry. Any increase in fruit fly affects the community, fruit and vegetables grown in the backyard and most importantly our primary producers.’’
The GMV Regional Fruit Fly Project was established in 2017, and in Berrigan Shire proactive activities since that time have included a tree removal program, educational workshops in schools and the release of sterile fruit fly over Cobram as part of a pilot program.
‘‘I would like to recognise the work the Lions Clubs have carried out in working with schools to educate kids about fruit fly,’’ Cr Hannan said.
‘‘The kids then go home and have a conversation with their parents and their grandparents about what happens if the necessary prevention isn’t carried out in the garden or backyard at home. It is not one single thing that is making a difference, but a combination of many different programs and initiatives.’’
For more information call into the Berrigan Shire office and collect an information pack.
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