A $2 million upgrade of the Yamba Quarantine Station has been completed as the Marshall Liberal Government continues to invest in protecting South Australia from the devastation of fruit fly.

The upgrade includes new entry and exit routes, an additional pull-off area to enable further investigations when fruit fly host materials are detected, and extra office accommodation for increased staff numbers needed at the facility to enforce the state’s zero tolerance approach.

Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Tim Whetstone said further investment in strengthening the state’s borders demonstrates the Marshall Liberal Government is serious about keeping South Australia fruit fly free.

“This infrastructure upgrade is aimed at providing ongoing and practical support to our zero-tolerance approach implemented in January this year,” said Minister Whetstone.

“Yamba Quarantine Station on the Sturt Highway is a key entry point into South Australia and this investment reflects the government’s commitment to keeping the state fruit fly free.

“The Yamba infrastructure upgrade, along with the recruitment of 14 additional staff members, is aimed at changing the culture of bringing fruit fly host material into South Australia.

“There is clear signage leading into the station that warns people to rid of their produce and if you ignore this message, you will be fined.

“To ensure the travelling public are aware of South Australia’s restrictions and zero tolerance approach, the Government is also conducting a public advertising and awareness campaign across South Australia and in key transport routes and border areas in Victoria and New South Wales.”

Minister Whetstone said in the Victorian and South Australian school holidays to date (28 June to 15 July) almost 600 fines and 1,284 kilograms of fruit and vegetables were seized.

“With visitors from interstate travelling into South Australia during the holiday period, we need to be ever vigilant in being aware and managing the risk of fruit fly,” said Minister Whetstone.

“With almost 600 motorists receiving fines at Yamba, it is clear there is much more work to be done.

“South Australia continues to feel the pressure from fruit fly at all entry points and that is why we are further investing in implementing zero tolerance.

“It only takes one piece of infested fruit to cause devastation to the state’s horticulture industry and supporting regional communities.”