The Nationals’ Member for Ovens Valley, Tim McCurdy, says The Nationals are proud to commit $4 million to support the Goulburn Murray Valley Fruit Fly Area Wide Management Program.
Under an elected Liberals and Nationals Government, the program will receive $1 million annually over four years to manage Queensland Fruit Fly (QFF), helping protect local growers, horticultural businesses and regional jobs.
Mr McCurdy said the commitment reflected The Nationals’ commitment to standing up for regional industries and providing certainty for local growers.
“Queensland Fruit Fly poses a significant threat to our Cobram fruit growers, and we know how important it is to keep numbers under control.
“We have seen the results this program can deliver, with a 95 per cent reduction in fruit fly numbers following its introduction.
“I have been advocating for continued funding and recently met with Adrian Conti, President of the Cobram and District Fruit Growers Association, to discuss the importance of the program.
“As The Nationals, we are proud to put forward this $4 million commitment, delivering the long-term funding certainty our growers have been asking for.
“Horticulture is worth $1.6 billion across the Goulburn Murray Valley and supports thousands of local jobs. Protecting this industry is vital to the future of our region.
“Our commitment is about backing our growers, protecting local jobs and making sure our horticulture industry has the support it needs to thrive,” Mr McCurdy said.
