McCurdy demands fruit fly funding in 2025 Victorian budget to back local growers

Nationals Member for Ovens Valley, Tim McCurdy, has renewed his call for urgent funding in the May 2025 Victorian Budget to ensure the survival of the Goulburn Murray Valley Fruit Fly Program.

Mr McCurdy said fruit growers across the region are deeply concerned about the future of the program, which has played a critical role in suppressing Queensland Fruit Fly (QFF) numbers since its inception in 2017-18.

“Since funding began, this program has slashed QFF numbers by 95 per cent. But ongoing cuts have seen monitoring traps fall from over 400 to just 200,” Mr McCurdy said. “Without renewed funding beyond June, this successful program faces shutdown—putting an entire industry at risk.”

Mr McCurdy, who recently pressed the Minister for Agriculture on the matter, said growers are fed up with uncertainty and the lack of long-term support from the Allan Labor Government.

“Our growers are already doing it tough. They don’t need more uncertainty. The government needs to stop gambling with regional jobs and livelihoods,” he said.

“With modelling showing a potential 600 per cent surge in QFF numbers without continued suppression, it’s clear: this is not the time to pull funding.”

Mr McCurdy stressed that funding must be secured in the May 2025 Victorian Budget to give growers the confidence and tools they need to continue protecting their crops and livelihoods.

“I stand with our growers and I’ll keep pushing for the funding they deserve. This is about protecting crops, securing jobs, and backing the people who feed our state.”

Labor can't manage regional industries, and our Victorian farmers are paying the price.