Fruit fly is a continuing ‘issue’ for growers of things like citrus and grape … but it seems grey nomads are no longer the prime suspects in the ongoing spread of the problem.
The chief executive of Victoria’s Murray Valley Citrus Board, Hugh Flett, says older caravanners and motorhomers have generally heeded widespread publicity about the issue. And, he says, grey nomads have been very good about calling their state primary industry departments to find out where the no-go zones were.
Instead it seems the finger of suspicion is pointing elsewhere. While some long-distance truckers may be culpable, and young families may make the odd ‘mistake’, Mr Flett believes locals may be the worst offenders. He says it’s a version of the NIMBY (not in my backyard) syndrome.
“We live here, we know the rules, and we know all about fruit fly,” she told the Sunraysia Daily. “We don’t believe the fruit we’re carrying could contain maggots.”
The unpalatable truth, according to Mr Flett, is that bringing fruit into the pest-free area is often a wilful act of civil disobedience.
The Sunraysia Daily reports that, a couple of years ago, a local citrus grower travelling through Boundary Bend, epicentre of a multiple fruit fly outbreak zone at the time, reported observing a well known Mildura resident loading fruit into the boot of his car from a roadside stall.
As grey nomads will be aware, plant pests and diseases can spread from one part of Australia to another through the movement of fruit, vegetables, plants, flowers, plant products and soil. There are a range of restrictions applying to each State and Territory for the movement of certain goods to protect Australia’s valuable plant industries. Travellers can call Quarantine Domestic on 1800 084 881 for more details
Have you ever inadvertently tried to take forbidden fruit across a border or through a quarantine checkpoint? How careful are you about what you try to take where? Have you ever had to sit at the side of the road and eat a dozen apples or a jar of honey? Comment below.
Yes we have been searched over the years.. made sure we ate all of our fruit prior to “checkpoints” Have not experienced it for a few years now though. Was crazy feeling like criminals if the kids had a random bananna hidden behind the seat! on the other hand I can understand why they police it. Have to look after the farmers, its not that hard really.
Yes we realized the evening before going over into fruit fly exclusion zone that we had lots of fruit and veges, and quickly cooked up a huge pan of vege soup and another of stewed fruits, ate some more for breakfast, and then were still picked up for having garlic in the cupboard. We hadn’t even remembered the garlic.
Iam a very newbie to caravaning, planing a trip from Nowra NSW through Victoria on to Mt Gambier SA. IF we buy fruit from a super market to we still have to get rid of it prior to crossing borders
Carry the shop reciepts and if in sealed original packaging it is OK. Most of the help phone numbers are not manned on weekends…
Recently we came across signs to say we could not take citrus or stone fruit into the Kimberley area. We had a bag of oranges, and a few apples on board. We stopped at a little town called Warmun and cut up about 4 oranges and ate them, then we found a couple with a child nearby having lunch and gave them the rest. They we travelling the other way. No fruit bins or check point appeared as we continued on…..no wonder people keep their fruit!!