AS South Australians head out into the regions this long weekend, travellers are being reminded to play their part in the battle against fruit fly and leave their fruit and vegetables at home.
Primary Industries Minister Tim Whetstone said with seven Mediterranean fruit fly outbreaks occurring across metropolitan Adelaide at present, it was more important than ever to do the right thing.
"With the further easing of the COVID-19 restrictions I anticipate many South Australians will take advantage of the short break to once again visit our regions, but please make sure you play your part in keeping our state fruit fly-free," he said.
"Nearly 250 suburbs across metropolitan are under quarantine restrictions because of these outbreaks, so if you're travelling this long weekend please leave your fruit and vegetables at home.
"If you are visiting the Riverland do not take fresh fruit and fruiting vegetables with you in the car, even with a receipt.
"There are zero strikes and zero excuses for bringing fruit and vegetables into SA or into a pest-free area and if travellers flout the rules, they will receive a $375 fine.
"It only takes one piece of infested fruit brought into Riverland and our other vital horticulture producing regions to cause widespread devastation to our industry."
Mr Whetstone said despite the latest community awareness campaign, 28 kilograms of prohibited material was seized during a recent random roadblock at Blanchetown.
"With so much at stake, it is disappointing to see people still doing the wrong thing," he said.
"During the two-day operation at Blanchetown, almost 700 vehicles were stopped with a total of 28kg of prohibited material detected, seized and disposed of accordingly.
"Please, before you take to the road this long weekend make sure you aren't packing any unwanted guests with you."
- Details: pir.sa.gov.au/fruitfly