Queensland fruit fly is finding it harder to get a foothold in the Goulburn Murray Valley thanks to the removal of unwanted and unmanaged fruit trees and plants.

The free fruit tree removal program is available within Campaspe, Greater Shepparton, Moira and Strathbogie Shires. Anyone who has a fruit tree they no longer want or can no longer manage can apply to have it removed free of charge.

The program assists private and public landholders who cannot manage their fruit trees effectively. Assistance may be available to growers who have orchards that have been non-productive for two consecutive years or more.

All tree removal works undertaken as part of the program are carried out by fully insured professional contractors, in consultation with the landholder or the responsible authority.

The removal of unmanaged fruit fly habitat eliminates potential breeding grounds and is a highly effective control option.

Since the project began, over 93,000 unmanaged fruit trees and plants have been removed through the program across the region.