MORE than 230 drivers entering South Australia through Bordertown last weekend received fines for illegally bringing fruit into the state in a random roadblock operation undertaken by South Australian biosecurity officers.
Each of the drivers can now expect to receive a $375 fine in the mail.
The random roadblock is part of an increased effort from the Marshall Liberal Government to prevent fruit fly from entering the state.
Primary Industries and Regional Development Minister Tim Whetstone said every person entering South Australia must respect strict quarantine laws which prohibit people bringing fruit in and putting the state’s fruit fly free status at risk.
“These laws are in place to protect our $1.25b horticultural industry vulnerable to fruit fly and biosecurity officers will enforc the law with zero tolerance,” he said.
“It only takes one fruit infected with larvae to cause devastation, not only for our fresh food industries, but also communities.
“So whether you illegally carry one piece of fruit or 20 in your vehicle into a quarantine area, you will be penalised.”
Mr Whetstone warned motorists could face major fines if found with restricted items.
“There is a clear and simple message for people travelling into South Australia, do not bring fresh produce, otherwise you will pay the penalty,” he said.
“Motorists face fines and penalties of up to $100,000 if found with restricted items.
“From roadblocks to quarantine bins, we will use every tool at our disposal to defend our vital horticulture industry against fruit fly.
“Keeping South Australia free of fruit fly is everyone’s responsibility.
“We do not want fruit fly getting into the Riverland or the Adelaide Hills areas while also protecting our iconic winegrape production areas such as the Coonawarra and Limestone Coast from phylloxera.”
The increased measures follow an outbreak of Q-fly detected in Loxton in early December.
The outbreak had no impact on the fruit fly free status for the rest of the Riverland Pest Free Area or the state.
