Travellers are being reminded to ‘Eat It, Bin It or Declare It’ if they bring fruit and vegetables into South Australia this long weekend to ensure the state maintains its fruit fly free status.

With continuing fruit fly pressure on South Australia from interstate, the State Government has been proactive, announcing a suite measures to assist in keeping the devastating pest out of the state.

These new measures include the appointment of a Riverland Fruit Fly Coordinator, increased random roadblocks and two new quarantine bins installed.

Only fresh fruit or fruiting vegetables purchased in South Australia with an itemised receipt can be brought into the Riverland.

Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Tim Whetstone urged everyone to play their part in keeping South Australia fruit fly free.

“This long weekend, we are welcoming many people into South Australia to enjoy our wonderful state,” said Minister Whetstone.

“However, we need to remind everyone that if you’re travelling into South Australia or the Riverland, make sure you ‘Eat It, Bin It or Declare It’ when it comes to fruit and vegetables.

“The State Government is investing $5 million per year in an effort to maintain South Australia’s fruit fly free status.

“Keeping South Australia free of fruit fly is everyone’s responsibility and it’s a timely reminder for travellers to South Australia to abide by the state’s strict quarantine rules.

“South Australia is the only mainland state that is fruit fly free and this status protects our $1.25 billion fruit fly vulnerable horticulture industries.

“There are quarantine stations at Ceduna, Yamba, Oodla Wirra and Pinnaroo, random roadblocks, signage and disposal bins at key locations across the state including border entry points, airports and rail terminals.”

Find out how you can help keep South Australia fruit fly free at www.pir.sa.gov.au.fruitfly.