Horticulture

Council boosts fruit fly control efforts

By Nicholas Spandler

Mar 31, 2026

Greater Shepparton City Council is working to ensure promised funding for combatting fruit fly is delivered. Photo by Contributed

Greater Shepparton City Council has awarded a contract worth more than $228,000 to support ongoing efforts to manage Queensland Fruit Fly across the region.

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The contract, awarded to AGnVET Management Services Pty Ltd, covers the provision of Queensland Fruit Fly Trapping Grid Services throughout the Goulburn Murray Valley.

It will fund the purchase and installation of fruit fly traps to improve monitoring and data collection across both urban and rural areas.

Council said the trapping network would help track fruit fly presence at different locations, allowing authorities to respond quickly when detections occur.

Council field officers will carry out responses in line with established control measures when fruit fly is detected.

Services under the contract have already started.

Continued trapping beyond June 2026 will depend on the upcoming Victorian Government funding announcement, with the potential for up to three one‑year contract extensions if funding is confirmed.

City of Greater Shepparton Mayor Shane Sali said fruit fly remained a serious issue for the region, with council continuing to gather state support.

“We continue to advocate to the State Government to ensure promised funding for Queensland Fruit Fly services is delivered,” Cr Sali said.

“We know the damage this pest can cause to our region, and we remain committed to addressing this issue for the benefit of our community and local industries.”