Goulburn and Murray Valley fruit growers have secured a $4 million, four-year pledge for a fruit fly control program, should the Coalition be elected this month.

The election promise was unveiled by National and Liberal Party representatives on an Ardmona orchard on Wednesday, November 4.

The funding will enable the $1.6 billion horticulture industry to implement a control program called an area-wide management scheme.

In recent years the industry has been unable to convince the state government to provide long-term funding for the program.

Industry sources say the program has proven successful in the past.

The region is unique in its proximity to urban areas, which become harbours for the pest and can interfere with international horticultural trade.

Shadow Agriculture Minister Emma Kealy said protection was essential, as the loss of a control program would be devastating for the local economy, business and employment

She said the four-year funding would provide the protection needed to keep on top of the pest and mitigate the risks.

Ms Kealy said it was extremely concerning the Labor Government threatened to shut down the program.

“Why wouldn’t we support a program that can manage one of the most voracious pests in horticulture?” she said.

Asked if an incoming Coalition government would be able to find the money in a debt-ridden economy, Ms Kealy said it was clear there was a huge debt issue, but it didn’t mean that the money was not there.

“The Liberals and Nats have a 10-year economic plan to get back on top of the debt and make sure we are back in a cash-positive position, so we can stop throwing a million dollars an hour to the big banks,” she said.

Nationals candidate for Shepparton Shane Sali said the industry was valued at $1.6 billion in gross regional product annually.

“We grow a significant amount of fresh produce here and it can’t be done without protection from Queensland fruit fly,” he said.

Ms Kealy said the industry needed certainty rather than another short-term funding cycle.

“Our commitment will provide the ongoing support needed to protect our growers, strengthen regional biosecurity and safeguard one of Australia’s most important food producing regions,” she said.

“You cannot protect a $1.6 billion horticultural industry one year at a time.”

The area-wide management program combines surveillance, targeted responses and community education to reduce fruit fly breeding sites on private and public land.

Previous program activity delivered significant results, including a 95 per cent reduction in Queensland fruit fly populations during the program’s first year, followed by a further 60 per cent reduction in its second year.

Fruit Growers Victoria chairman and Ardmona orchardist Mitch McNab welcomed the commitment following years of industry advocacy.

“We really welcome this commitment. Shane Sali has stood by local growers, first as a community member, then as mayor and now as a candidate with this commitment,” Mr McNab said.

“We’ve been calling for a long-term investment into the area-wide management plan for several years.”

“Long-term, secure funding is the only way we can ensure the longevity of not just our businesses and industry, but of the products that people in our community and consumers right across the world rely on.”

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