Roadside information rest areas have been set up by the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment in the greater Devonport control area to raise public awareness about fruit fly.
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Fruit fly response state control centre director Wes Ford said education and public information needed to be “ramped up” following the increase of the greater Devonport control area.
“Fruit fly has been detected in Tasmania. It is a significant threat to the state, but we have a chance to eradicate it,” Mr Ford said.
“This has commenced with extra signage and increased public information about the fruit fly response.”
The first booth was established at Parramatta Creek Rest Area on February 18, with further booths operating over the coming weeks.
“This area is designed to allow cars to stop and obtain key information about the fruit fly response,” he said.
“The public plays a vital role in being vigilant about fruit fly and recognising what fruit flies and fruit fly larvae look like and understanding why it is important not to move fruit fly host produce outside of a Control Area.
“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 been out at events in the control area to educate the community.
They also continued with ongoing surveillance, control treatment, trapping, and investigations.
Control areas are in place in the greater Devonport area and the Furneaux island group.
Reports of fruit fly can be made to Biosecurity Tasmania on 6165 3774.
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