A purpose-built sterile Queensland fruit fly facility was established in Port Augusta, South Australia under earlier work in the Hort Frontiers Fruit Fly Fund and broader SITplus initiative. With sterile insect technology (SIT) a promising control method for Queensland fruit fly, the facility is a state-of-the-art factory for the mass-rearing of sterile flies.

This investment is continuing support for the pilot operation of the facility, allowing delivery of sterile flies to an associated pilot release project. It is also delivering further research to optimise the SIT approach and improve the production of healthy and high-performing sterile fruit flies.

The work is being funded through co-investment from a range of partners, funding from the Australian Government, and some contributions from levy industries.

FIND OUT MORE