More than 50 councils across three states are being asked to raise awareness about the world’s worst fruit pest.
Councils in the Fruit Fly Exclusion Zone covering southern New South Wales, northern Victoria and South Australia’s Riverland have been asked to post a message to travellers on their websites.
The message features celebrity chef Stefano di Pieri calling on travellers to leave their fruit at home to ensure they don’t inadvertently cause a fruit fly outbreak.
Tri-State Fruit Fly Committee spokesman Hugh Flett said councils played an important role in protecting industries that were vital to their communities.
“Council websites are often looked at by people seeking information about places they intend to visit.
“Stefano reminds people about the restrictions on bringing fresh produce into the quarantine area and the heavy fines if they’re caught.
“There’s simply no need to bring fresh produce with them, as there’s plenty of high-quality, Australian-grown fruit and vegetables to buy when they get to these protected production regions.”
Mr Flett said there had been a fantastic response from councils.
“Local governments in the quarantine area recognise the importance of keeping their region free of fruit fly and have been pleased to join our campaign.”
