The suspected discovery of Queensland fruit fly larvae near Spreyton is “alarming news”, said Devonport mayor Steve Martin.
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Alderman Martin said there’d be a flow on effect for local farmers and their families if the discovery of the pest was confirmed.
“Tasmania has always been proud of its quarantine in regards to keeping our pest-free status,” he said.
It would certainly be devastating if it’s confirmed there’s fruit fly here.
- Steve Martin, mayor of Devonport
READ MORE: Suspected fruit fly larvae in Spreyton
The larvae was discovered on apricots in a suburban backyard in Spreyton and sparked a Biosecurity Tasmania investigation.
Preliminary identification efforts suggested the larvae was a species of Bactrocera fruit fly, an List A pest under the Plant Quarantine Act, but further testing is underway to confirm.
Alderman Martin hoped the discovery was “a false alarm”.
“We’ll wait with bated breath and with fingers crossed that it isn’t fruit fly,” he said.
Minister for Primary Industries and Water Jeremy Rockliff said the government was taking the threat of fruit flies “extremely seriously”.
“While fruit fly has been found in Tasmania before, in 2011, there is no room for complacency,” he said.
“We are prepared for this threat and we are doing everything possible to deal with the current situation.”
We are taking this threat extremely seriously.
- Jeremy Rockliff, Minister for Primary Industries and Water Jeremy
The discovery also caused concern for industry group Fruit Growers of Tasmania, said business development manager Phil Pyke.
“This could potentially be a Queensland fruit fly and at this stage we understand the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment is doing everything they can,” he said.
Mr Pyke said if the fruit fly discovery was confirmed, it could impact Tasmania’s access to key export markets.
“This is not just a farming issue. This is an issue for everyone in Tasmania,” he said.
“We want people to be vigilant and check the fruit in their backyards, particularly apricots.”
Key stakeholders will be updated about the suspected discovery at a meeting in Launceston this week.