FRUIT FLY

In reply to the Hon. S.G. WADE (20 March 2013).

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, Minister for Forests, Minister for Regional Development, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for State/Local Government Relations): I am advised:

Biosecurity SA conducted a random roadblock at Bordertown the week prior to the long weekend of 9 to 11 March 2013. This roadblock coincided with the Clipsal 500 V8 Supercar race held in Adelaide 28 February to 3 March 2013, which increased traffic from eastern states.

Biosecurity SA determined that as a result of the increased threat of the introduction of fruit fly from the eastern states, a stronger emphasis on highlighting the restrictions on entry of fruit and fruiting vegetables into the state was better at this time. This roadblock resulted in 229 verbal cautions being issued, 40 expiable offence reports being completed and 27 expiations subsequently being issued.

There will be more random fruit fly roadblocks across South Australia this year and Biosecurity SA is planning to operate these roadblocks on roads into the Riverland that have not seen random roadblocks before. Naturally the roadblocks will be focused around times of high traffic flow coming into the region.

The Australia Day long weekend roadblock resulted in 7 expiation notices being issued.