A new self-baiting program for commercial growers in the Riverland and a voluntary tree removal trial for backyard growers are two programs that could help get the fruit fly outbreaks under control.
The baiting program will supply growers with baits and lures to use on their property, while PIRSA continues to focus on the highest risk areas.
Riverland Fruit Fly Committee chair and local grower Jason Size said this was part of a joint approach toward eradication.
"PIRSA and industry together can apply more and different eradication approaches than ever before - it's potentially a game-changer," he said.
Rules have also changes for Riverland residents, who will now be able to freely buy any fruit and vegetables and their local retailers and move across the 14 fruit fly outbreak and suspension boundaries, as long as they secure the fruit and carry their itemised purchase receipt.
Primary Industries and Regional Development Minister Clare Scriven said the changes were part of a broader shift in approach to managing the outbreaks, and in consideration of the impact lengthy fruit movement restrictions were having on Riverland communities.
Ongoing restrictions on bringing certain fruit and vegetables into the Riverland Pest Free Area still apply.
Mr Size said the change would relieve some of the pressure on the local community.
"At the same time as all our combined efforts are thrown at eradication in the growing areas, we support this change allowing low-risk retail fruit to be securely moved around, with an itemised receipt, by Riverland shoppers," he said.
"Residents, please do not move home-grown fruit or vegetables that fruit fly like - they are still restricted.
"Larvae continue to be found in home fruit trees creating new outbreaks or extensions to existing ones."
Ms Scriven said retail fruit across South Australia was certified as free from fruit fly before it even hit the shelves, so this was an appropriate change to help local residents.
"The eradication effort is also increasing, with greater grower involvement than ever before, as we work towards our common goal of eradicating fruit fly from the Riverland," she said.
There will also be a trial established in the Waikerie Outbreak Area to potentially manage some of the backyard fruit trees that can cause an issue.
PIRSA is partnering with the Loxton Waikerie Council to develop and implement a pilot project and accompanying education program to improve the management of non-commercial fruit trees.
Ms Scriven said the aim of the pilot program was to reduce fruit fly in the Riverland as well as complement the broader fruit fly eradication efforts already happening.
"A number of fruit fly outbreaks are starting from unmaintained backyard fruit trees so this is where the program will be able to help," she said.
"Residents want to do the right thing, but it may be that some find it difficult to pick, collect and check their fruit.
"Those residents will be able to choose to have their fruit trees removed without charge and replaced with more suitable species, reducing the amount of backyard work they need to do, and reducing the risk of fruit fly at the same time.
"The program will be completely voluntary - there will be no removal of backyard trees unless the resident applies for the program."
The program, and more information, will be available to Waikerie residents in red outbreak areas later in the year.
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Loxton Waikerie Mayor Leon Stasinowsky said this voluntary pilot program was a great initiative and would give locals an easy way to deal with unwanted and unmaintained backyard fruit trees.
"If you find yourself unable to maintain your trees and no longer want them, this pilot program will be for you," he said.
"If you replace a fruit tree you no longer want with a drought tolerant native suited to the Riverland area, you'll also use less water and have less garden maintenance.
"As the pilot project details are confirmed, we will be exploring how council can assist, such as turning any removed trees into wood chips and compost.
"I encourage landholders in Waikerie who have trees they no longer want or can no longer maintain to think about joining the pilot program due to begin later this year."
Depending on the success of the trial, it may then be rolled out to other impacted areas.
- Details: fruitfly.sa.gov.au