Fruit fly advice booths boosted

FRUIT fly information booths are being established at roadside rest areas near Devonport as authorities ramp up efforts to educate people about the pest.

The booths are being set up in the greater Devonport fruit fly control area, with one at Parramatta Creek and more expected in the coming days and weeks.

Adult fruit flies and larvae were found last month in apricots at a site near Spreyton — south of Devonport — and three sites on Flinders Island.

Control areas were set up around Devonport and the Furneaux Island Group.

Last week Biosecurity Tasmania extended the Devonport control area when larvae was found in a fruit tree next to a commercial orchard near the zone’s eastern boundary.

Fruit Fly Response State Control Centre director Wes Ford said education and public information was being extended following the control area change.

“This has commenced with extra signage and increased public information about the fruit fly response,” Mr Ford said. “This area is designed to allow cars to stop and obtain key information about the fruit fly response.

“Devices such as road signs, roadside information, newspaper advertisements and other public messaging help ensure more people understand what fruit fly is and why it is important to take steps to eradicate this pest.”

Fruit Fly Response officers have attended events within the control area this weekend educating the community. Surveillance, trapping and investigations continue.