The Greater Sunrasia Pest Free Area has launched a new initiative, Become a fruit fly fighter. In this challenge, community support officers will coach participants on how to manage their trees for Queensland fruit fly (Q-fly) and provide them with some of the key resources they need to protect their fruits, including free traps and insect exclusion nets. What is included in the program?
Introduction package including Q-fly management resources;
One-on-one coaching in managing fruit trees;
Access to technical expert-led webinars;
Traps that will be refilled or replaced during the challenge (organic trap options are available if preferred);
Two insect exclusion nets, with training on how to use them;
Optional free tree removal;
Non Q-fly-host vegetable seeds to plant in your garden (e.g. leafy greens, carrots or herbs);
Monthly check-ins with a community support officer until end of autumn 2021.
Who is eligible? Home gardeners who:
Live in town, or on a residential block in rural areas, within the Victorian section of the Greater Sunraysia Pest Free Area;
Have two or more Q-fly host trees in their garden;
Are interested in learning how to manage the Q-fly.
See the full eligibility criteria on the challenge webpage.
