The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development has introduced control measures to stop the spread of the destructive pest, Queensland fruit fly (Qfly), following an outbreak in the Perth suburb of Dalkeith and surrounds.
It said Qfly attacks a wide range of fruits and fruiting vegetables and while found in parts of eastern Australia, is not established in Western Australia.
Minister for Agriculture and Food, Alannah MacTiernan said a quarantine area was now in place for Dalkeith and parts of Claremont and Nedlands to prevent the movement of home-grown fruit and fruiting vegetables out of the area.
“The Department has increased surveillance with more than 300 lure traps now operating in the area and is treating targeted plants with an organic insecticide,” Ms MacTiernan said.
“Department officers are contacting local residents in areas surrounding Qfly detections to remove material which can provide a breeding ground for this pest, such as citrus, stone fruit, olives, tomatoes, chillies and capsicums.”
She said the work was helping protect Western Australia’s fruit and vegetable industries which were worth approximately $1 billion annually and provided high-quality fresh produce for local consumers and export markets.
“We acknowledge that measures such as removing backyard fruit and fruiting vegetables will be tough for residents in affected areas,” Ms MacTiernan said.
“The Department also understands this response needs to be exercised in a way that will not contribute to the risk of COVID-19 spread in the local community and will be taking measures to ensure this.”
