The Incident Management Team (IMT) in Mildura is a dedicated centre established to service the needs of growers of QFF host fruit in the Mildura and Robinvale areas.

Ten full time staff from the Department of Primary Industries (DPI), backed by two contracting

companies and up to 40 contract staff, are working closely with industry and the public to eradicate the pest in the Sunraysia Pest Free Area.

There is also a QFF IMT centre in Swan Hill, with five full time employees, plus servicedelivery staff to assist with bookings and audits and to deal with any enquiries east of Boundary Bend.

Fruit Fly Operations Manager in Mildura, Harvey Cleaver, said some of the full time DPI staff would administer the accreditation process to allow fruit movement interstate.

“They will also manage the intrastate certification assurance process and general market access enquiries,” Mr Cleaver said.

“Field teams conduct fruit removal, larval searching and ground treatment activities as part of the hygiene program.

“Baiting contractors play a major role in eradicating this pest where fruit fly outbreaks have been declared.

“This is a large undertaking by DPI because we are determined to eradicate fruit fly in the Pest Free Area (PFA) this year.”

More than 130 QFF outbreaks have been recorded across the state in the past year with 35 in the PFA. Of the 35 outbreaks, 23 infected sites have already been reinstated.

“However there is no room for complacency, as more outbreaks could occur almost anywhere in the area,” Mr Cleaver said.

“This success would not be possible without the ongoing cooperation of the industries and residents and they are all to be thanked for their support.”

Please note: All calls to the 5051 4618 local hotline will go to the Mildura IMT centre. The Swan Hill IMT number is 5036 4800.