The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is working closely with the community and local government to eradicate Qfly, which attacks more than 300 species of fruit and fruiting vegetables.
DPIRD Chief Plant Biosecurity Officer Vincent Lanoiselet thanked the community in the southern suburbs for supporting the department’s efforts and adhering to the Quarantine Area requirements.
“We are very grateful to residents for doing the right thing and following the movement directions and removing fruit to help stem the spread of Qfly,” Dr Lanoiselet said.
“Gardeners are urged to continue to watch fruit trees, such as figs, and fruiting vegetables, like tomatoes and capsicums, for new fruit and to remove it immediately to help stop the Qfly breeding cycle.
“It’s essential to follow the directions and dispose of fruit properly – don’t forget to solarise fruit in a well sealed black rubbish bag and leave on a hard surface in direct sun for at least seven days before placing in the red general waste bin.
“The community’s help is essential to support DPIRD’s surveillance and treatment efforts and a speedy eradication program.”
Local government has been very supportive of the Qfly biosecurity response, with some councils providing additional waste disposal options and facilities.
Ongoing DPIRD pop-up information stalls in the red zone have experts on hand to advise on movement requirements and fruit disposal options, such as cooking, freezing and solarising.
Dr Lanoiselet encouraged the community to talk to their friends and neighbours about the Qfly Quarantine Area requirements and how they can get rid of the pest.
“Biosecurity is everyone’s business and we all have a role to play in keeping WA free from pests and diseases – like Qfly – that threaten home gardens, farmers’ crops and livelihoods, the environment and crucial market access,” he said.
“It’s important for everyone to come on board and do the right thing by following the Quarantine Area requirements so we can complete this eradication program as quickly as possible.”
For more information on the Qfly Quarantine Area requirements, including an interactive map to determine if you are in the red or orange zones, visit the DPIRD website https://www.wa.gov.au/qfly.
