Biosecurity preparedness for oriental fruit fly (FF18001)

What was it all about?

This project strengthened Australia’s national preparedness for a potential incursion of the Oriental fruit fly (OFF), one of the most serious biosecurity threats facing Australian horticulture. Although OFF is not currently established in Australia, repeated detections in northern regions and overseas experience show that an incursion could have major economic consequences, including loss of domestic and export market access and high eradication costs.

The project took a comprehensive, national approach to preparedness. It reviewed global best practice for managing exotic fruit fly incursions, assessed the likelihood of OFF entering and establishing under Australian conditions, and identified gaps in current surveillance, response planning and movement protocols. Climate‑based risk modelling was undertaken to identify high‑risk areas for establishment, particularly around ports, horticultural regions and irrigated landscapes. The project also examined how OFF biology, host range and behaviour influence detection and control options.

Key outputs included a peer‑reviewed scientific review, a draft cross‑commodity contingency plan, proposed science‑based movement guidelines to support business continuity during an incursion, and a series of biosecurity simulation exercises (Exercise MOTUS) conducted with industry and government stakeholders in NSW and Queensland. These exercises tested response readiness, coordination, communication and decision‑making under realistic incursion scenarios. The project also developed communication and technical support materials to improve awareness and consistency across jurisdictions.

For growers and industry, the project provides practical benefits by improving national readiness to detect and respond quickly to an OFF incursion, reducing the likelihood of widespread crop damage and prolonged market disruption. By strengthening planning, coordination and decision‑making before an incursion occurs, the project helps protect long‑term industry viability, safeguard market access and support faster, more effective responses that minimise economic and operational impacts on Australian horticulture.