Almost $5m Investment To Strengthen Fruit Fly Defences

New facilities at the Redlands Research Facility will strengthen Australia’s fruit fly management and support the horticulture industry. Photo source: Pexels

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Australia’s horticulture industry is set to benefit from almost $5 million in new investment aimed at strengthening fruit fly management, protecting export markets and improving the nation’s ability to respond to exotic outbreaks.

The Australian and Queensland Governments are jointly funding new infrastructure at the Queensland Department of Primary Industries’ Redlands Research Facility, where the National Export Market Access Centre for Horticulture will be housed.

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The Australian Government is contributing $4.7 million through its Building Resilience to Manage Fruit Fly Package, with the overall investment expected to deliver new facilities to support research into fruit fly management and horticultural market access.

Fruit fly is considered one of the most significant biosecurity threats facing Australia’s horticulture industry, with outbreaks capable of affecting productivity and disrupting valuable international trade.

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The new infrastructure will include fumigation facilities, a netted orchard and dedicated pest management testing areas.

The facilities will support research needed to meet the requirements of international trading partners and help Australian growers maintain access to overseas markets.

The investment will also strengthen Australia’s capacity to respond to exotic fruit fly outbreaks and reduce the potential impact of fruit fly-related trade restrictions on growers and exporters.

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Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Julie Collins said the investment formed part of the Albanese Government’s broader commitment to strengthening Australia’s biosecurity system.

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“The Albanese Government has delivered over $2 billion in additional biosecurity resourcing since coming to Government, because a strong biosecurity system underpins a strong horticulture and agriculture industry,” Minister Collins said.

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“Effective fruit fly management is critical to protecting growers, which is why we are supporting the sector to strengthen their resilience against the pest.

“This $4.7 million investment from the Albanese Government will strengthen Australia's fruit fly research capability and help ensure growers and exporters can continue to access valuable export markets.

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“By investing in the infrastructure and scientific capability needed to meet trading partner requirements, we are helping build a more resilient and competitive horticulture sector.”

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Queensland Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett said the project is ‘critical’ for growers.

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“This project is a critical initiative to protect Queensland’s horticultural industry and support our producers and exporters,” Minister Perrett said.

“It’s critical, home-grown research that is leading the way in securing and growing export markets for Australian horticulture and our fit-for-purpose facilities are ensuring that success.

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“This investment will help ensure the long-term future and prosperity for Queensland horticulture, strengthening biosecurity measures and safeguarding Queensland producers against the devastating impacts of fruit fly.”

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The new National Export Market Access Centre for Horticulture is expected to provide a dedicated national hub for research into fruit fly, pest management and the requirements needed to maintain Australia’s horticultural export opportunities.

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The investment is designed to strengthen the industry’s resilience while supporting growers and exporters to navigate the biosecurity challenges posed by fruit fly.