Perth Voice Interactive

THE quarantine period to combat the Queensland fruit fly or ‘Qfly’ in Melville will extend until at least April, according to the Department of Primary Industries. 

At the end of last year, DPIRD announced a quarantine ‘red zone’ would be implemented across Melville after discovery of the Qfly, which is a “significant pest” to industries and homegrown fruit and vegetables. 

Under the red zone restrictions, residents and businesses must remove all fruit and vegetables from plants and either treated by cooking, solarising, or disposing in a black plastic bag in their general red bins. 

According to DPIRD, the restrictions will be in place until at least April 6, and “may be extended” if the Qfly is still detected in the quarantine zone. 

DPIRD chief plant biosecurity officer Dr Vincent Lanoiselet says the Department’s response is “coordinated” but still requires residents and businesses to “take action”. 

“There are currently more than 150 people working on the response, which includes host plant inspections across private, commercial, and public properties, Qfly trapping, and baiting of street trees in the Willagee and Palmyra areas and surrounds,” Dr Lanoiselet said. 

“We appreciate the support from the community, local governments, and industry, who play critical roles in eradicating this pest as quickly as possible.” 

More information about the signs of Qfly and methods to report suspected sightings are available on the DPIRD website.