On the cusp of the long weekend, South Australians - and interstaters travelling into SA - are being reminded to be responsible and abide by fruit fly outbreak restrictions to help stop the spread of fruit fly.
With the state continuing to battle six Queensland fruit fly outbreaks (five in metro Adelaide, one in the Riverland) and 10 Mediterranean fruit fly outbreaks (all in metro Adelaide), Primary Industries Minister David Basham said it was vital to remain vigilant with fruit fly control.
"Fruit fly don't travel far on their own - it is people who spread this destructive pest by moving fruit and vegetables around," Mr Basham said.
"At stake is our $1.3 billion horticulture industry vulnerable to fruit fly and the thousands of jobs it supports, as well as the ability to grow your own backyard fruit and vegetables without being infested by maggots.
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"If you're leaving Adelaide or coming into SA to visit our regions this long weekend, don't take fruit with you, instead leave it at home and buy locally when you reach your destination."
Mr Basham said fruit and vegetables from outbreak areas was not to be moved outside the zones, which are outlined on the interactive fruit fly map.
"It is important to do your homework and understand what fruit and vegetables are prohibited from areas of SA," he said.
"Fruit and vegetables can only come in with an itemised receipt showing it was purchased from an area in SA unaffected by fruit fly - those areas are green on the interactive fruit fly map."
"If you live in a red outbreak area, remember the fruit and vegetables at risk from fruit fly cannot leave your property.
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Mr Basham encouraged those staying at home to pick any ripe fruit from their backyard trees.
"If you're spending the weekend at home, use the opportunity to clean up your garden - pick any ripe or fallen fruit and place it in your green bin instead of composting it, to help break the fruit fly lifecycle," he said.
"If your council doesn't offer a green bin service, find out what you need to do by checking the fruit fly website," said Minister Basham.
"Check your fruit for bruising or sting marks, and if you notice any, cut it up to check for maggots. If you see anything unusual in your fruit, call the Fruit Fly Hotline on 1300 666 010.
"If you have excess home-grown fruit, use it up - make a jam, preserve, pickle or smoothie."
Some fresh produce is exempt from the restrictions. To find out which products are exempt, and to learn more about current outbreak restrictions, click here.
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