Torres Strait exotic fruit fly eradication program extended

The National Exotic Fruit Fly in Torres Strait Eradication Program has been extended to June 2027, with an additional $3.1 million in funding to strengthen Australia’s biosecurity protections.

The program targets three exotic fruit fly species – oriental, melon and New Guinea fruit fly – which are present in nearby Papua New Guinea and pose a major threat to Australia’s horticulture industry. These pests can destroy a wide range of fruit and vegetable crops by laying eggs inside fruit, causing it to rot and become unmarketable.

The Torres Strait is considered a key entry point, with Papua New Guinea’s Western Province located just 3.6 km from Saibai Island. Exotic fruit flies can enter the region via seasonal winds or through the movement of produce and vessels.

First established in 1996 following an oriental fruit fly outbreak in Cairns, the program works to prevent these pests from establishing in Australia through activities such as trapping, baiting and strict movement controls on potential pathways for introduction.

The latest funding extension will support enhanced eradication activities on Badu Island, following two seasons of increased exotic fruit fly detections.

The program is delivered on the ground by the Queensland Department of Primary Industries and the Northern Australia Quarantine Strategy within the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, and is funded through the Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed partnership between governments and industry.

Everyone has a role to play in protecting Australia from fruit fly. Travellers are reminded that fruit and vegetables cannot be brought into Australia without the appropriate permits, and home gardeners and growers are encouraged to inspect fruit trees regularly and report suspected exotic fruit fly to the Emergency Plant Pest Hotline (1800 084 881).

👉 More information about the program and how to identify exotic fruit flies is available at outbreak.gov.au.

This article appears as part of the 13 March 2026 issue of Guacamole, our e-Newsletter.