Funding from the Victorian government still falls short of the level requested by partnering councils, Fruit Growers Victoria and other industry bodies
Greater Shepparton City Council has secured A$469,000 in Victorian government funding for the Goulburn Murray Valley Fruit Fly Program, to continue vital efforts in managing Queensland fruit fly across the region.
The Program incorporates the municipal areas of Greater Shepparton, Moira Shire, Campaspe Shire and Strathbogie Shire Councils and includes support for a fruit fly coordinator, two field officers, targeted education, community workshops, signage and trap deployment.
The partnering Councils, alongside Fruit Growers Victoria and other industry bodies, had been advocating for A$1mn per annum to roll out a high input area wide management program across the Goulburn Murray Valley.
While the full amount has not been made available, the Greater Shepparton City Council was successful in receiving A$469,000 for the 2025/2026 financial year. The Victorian government advised that it will also provide funding for the 2026/2027 financial year; however, this amount is yet to be confirmed.
While the funding received is less than anticipated, mayor, councillor Shane Sali, said it would ensure critical work can continue to support the region’s A$1.6bn horticulture industry.
This money will be put towards further targeted fruit fly education and control. While it is less than we had been advocating for, the funding will ensure some work can continue to support our region’s horticulture industry,” he said.
“The funding is critical as we head into summer - a vital time for Queensland fruit fly breeding. We know that they breed quickly in urban areas and migrate to orchards, which is extremely concerning. Currently, the majority of fruit growers in our region protect their farms from Queensland Fruit Fly using baits and spray, however, they do so at a significant cost to their bottom line.”
In addition to funding for a dedicated fruit fly coordinator, alongside two part-time field officers, the funding will also support volunteer engagement, marketing and signage, and community workshops, while ensuring a targeted trapping grid can recommence.
The Goulburn Murray Valley Fruit Fly Management Program saw positive results over many years, with Queensland Fruit Fly numbers reducing by over 95 per cent in 2017 and then a further 60 per cent in 2018, according to a release from Greater Shepparton City Council. These positive results suffered post-2020, however, when government funding was reduced resulting in a less intensive area wide management programme. Since this funding cut, Queensland Fruit Fly numbers have increased by over 183 per cent since 2021.
“The significant funding cuts have resulted in less proactive fruit fly management occurring within urban areas of the Goulburn Murray Valley. Management of Queensland fruit fly in these urban areas is crucial to ensuring we can manage any risk to our horticulture industry across the region,” Sali said.
“Council will continue its advocacy in this space to ensure that the important work of the program and the ongoing community education can continue.”
