McLaren Vale Grape, Wine and Tourism Association hosted a vintage transport workshop on 16 January 2025.
Warren Birchmore from Vinehealth Australia was invited to present on biosecurity and current fruit fly movement requirements.
Carriers and transporters have biosecurity obligations that do not start and stop at vineyard and winery gates.
Grape spills should be cleaned up by the carrier or industry, before any public report to the police, or a serious vehicle accident occurs. There are requirements within the recently released Wine Industry Code of Practice that all businesses along the transport chain need to be aware of regarding grape spills.
The various movement requirements into and out of Queensland fruit fly affected areas were discussed and the attendees were made aware of their obligations. Further information can be found in the Industry Notice: Movement requirements for winegrapes regarding Queensland fruit fly.
Movement of grapes to the Riverland is bound by both the Riverland Pest Free Area requirements to deliver grapes into the Riverland, and the current Queensland fruit fly outbreaks to move clean harvest equipment out of the Riverland.
Transiting through the Salisbury North fruit fly affected area is easier with deliveries consigned to avoid spills and proof of origin documentation, such as winery booking information or grape delivery documentation.
Watch for non-regional and interstate harvesters and carriers. For the most part, the harvesters and carriers are aware of any disinfestation requirements and comply with movement conditions but remain vigilant for unfamiliar vehicles.
Ensure any equipment arriving is clean and weed free. This is not only clean of grape material but check for mud in wheel arches and weed seeds in tyres.
Harvest is the time to be extra vigilant on biosecurity.
For more information, please refer to the Vinehealth Transporters Fact Sheet