Published Friday, 02 March, 2007 at 12:02 PM
JOINT STATEMENT
Premier and Minister for Trade
The Honourable Peter Beattie
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries
The Honourable Tim Mulherin
PREMIER URGES CAUTION WITH BANANA AND APPLE IMPORTS
Premier Peter Beattie today urged the Federal Government to ensure the needs of North Queensland’s banana growers are not forgotten as Biosecurity Australia considers allowing the importation of bananas from the Philippines.
“The growers in North Queensland devastated by Cyclone Larry nearly 12 months ago are only now getting back to their feet,” Mr Beattie said.
“I know many in the industry are concerned by the prospect of banana imports from the Philippines and the possibility of diseases such as Black Sigatoka entering the country.
“We have already beaten Black Sigatoka once in Queensland. We don’t want to have to battle it again. (Queensland was declared Black Sigatoka free in 2004 after it was first detected in 2001).
“I am concerned at any possibility of disease entering the state, especially given that we account for nearly 90 percent of Australia’s banana industry.’’
Biosecurity Australia yesterday released its Revised Draft Import Risk Analysis Report for Bananas from the Philippines, which outlines disease risk and proposed quarantine measures and concerns.
There will be a 90-day consultation period ending May 30.
“Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries Tim Mulherin has informed me that DPI&F scientists will review the report and will be talking with the Queensland banana industry.’’
Mr Beattie also today reinforced the Government’s warning to the Commonwealth that it must be “absolutely vigilant’’ following the dismissal this week of appeals against a decision to permit the importation of New Zealand apples.
“Queensland also has a thriving apple industry around the Stanthorpe region that could be susceptible to fireblight, a highly contagious disease, endemic in New Zealand.
“Appeals, including one from the apple and pear industries, have been dismissed and I want to make very sure that the Federal Government to ensure that AQIS is up to the task of ensuring the disease does not enter Queensland.’’
Friday March 2, 2007
Media information:
Premier’s Office – 3224 4500
Minister’s Office – 3239 3000
“The growers in North Queensland devastated by Cyclone Larry nearly 12 months ago are only now getting back to their feet,” Mr Beattie said.
“I know many in the industry are concerned by the prospect of banana imports from the Philippines and the possibility of diseases such as Black Sigatoka entering the country.
“We have already beaten Black Sigatoka once in Queensland. We don’t want to have to battle it again. (Queensland was declared Black Sigatoka free in 2004 after it was first detected in 2001).
“I am concerned at any possibility of disease entering the state, especially given that we account for nearly 90 percent of Australia’s banana industry.’’
Biosecurity Australia yesterday released its Revised Draft Import Risk Analysis Report for Bananas from the Philippines, which outlines disease risk and proposed quarantine measures and concerns.
There will be a 90-day consultation period ending May 30.
“Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries Tim Mulherin has informed me that DPI&F scientists will review the report and will be talking with the Queensland banana industry.’’
Mr Beattie also today reinforced the Government’s warning to the Commonwealth that it must be “absolutely vigilant’’ following the dismissal this week of appeals against a decision to permit the importation of New Zealand apples.
“Queensland also has a thriving apple industry around the Stanthorpe region that could be susceptible to fireblight, a highly contagious disease, endemic in New Zealand.
“Appeals, including one from the apple and pear industries, have been dismissed and I want to make very sure that the Federal Government to ensure that AQIS is up to the task of ensuring the disease does not enter Queensland.’’
Friday March 2, 2007
Media information:
Premier’s Office – 3224 4500
Minister’s Office – 3239 3000