Greater Shepparton City Council has welcomed the Liberal and National Coalition's election commitment to invest $4 million over four years in the Goulburn Murray Valley Fruit Fly Area Wide Management Program, recognising the importance of protecting one of Victoria's most valuable horticultural regions.
The commitment supports a key advocacy priority identified by Council and regional industry leaders, aimed at ensuring ongoing management of Queensland Fruit Fly across the Goulburn Murray Valley and protecting the future of the region's fruit-growing industry.
Greater Shepparton sits at the heart of Australia's largest deciduous fruit-growing region, with local growers producing high-quality fruit for domestic and international markets. The horticulture sector contributes significantly to employment, exports and economic activity across northern Victoria.
Mayor, Councillor Geoff Akers, said Queensland Fruit Fly remained one of the most significant biosecurity threats facing Australia's horticultural industry, making ongoing investment in regional management efforts essential.
"Queensland Fruit Fly has the potential to cause significant impacts to growers, businesses and communities throughout our region if it is not effectively managed," he said.
"The Goulburn Murray Valley Fruit Fly Program has become a vital tool in helping manage this threat through education, monitoring, industry engagement and community awareness activities delivered across the region."
Cr Akers said the Coalition's commitment demonstrated an understanding of the importance of agriculture and horticulture to regional Victoria.
"Our fruit-growing industry supports thousands of local jobs and contributes billions of dollars to the Victorian economy each year. Protecting that industry requires ongoing investment and a coordinated approach," he said.
"No single grower, business or council can effectively manage Queensland Fruit Fly alone. Success depends on partnership, collaboration and region-wide action."
Council has consistently advocated for continued State Government investment in the program through its 2026 State Election Advocacy Priorities, highlighting the need to maintain and strengthen the area's coordinated approach to fruit fly management.
In addition to ongoing funding for area-wide management activities, Council and regional industry continue to advocate for further investment in initiatives such as a feasibility study into a Victorian Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) program and an independent assessment of the economic impacts of Queensland Fruit Fly across Victoria. These measures would help guide future investment and strengthen Victoria's long-term biosecurity capability.
Cr Akers said Council welcomed any commitment that supported the long-term sustainability of the horticultural sector.
"We thank the Coalition for recognising the importance of this program and the role it plays in protecting jobs, businesses and communities across northern Victoria," he said.
"As the election campaign continues, Council will continue advocating to all parties and candidates to support initiatives that strengthen our region's economy, protect our agricultural industries and deliver long-term benefits for local communities."
Council looks forward to working with all levels of government to ensure the Goulburn Murray Valley Fruit Fly Program can continue delivering the education, monitoring and regional coordination needed to protect growers, jobs and communities across the region.
