Queensland steps up banana biosecurity

The Newman Government will make legislative amendments to further protect Queensland’s banana industry after an incursion of banana freckle in the Northern Territory.

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry John McVeigh said this was the first time banana freckle had been found on Cavendish type bananas in Australia.

“It’s important to remember that the potential for banana freckle to enter Queensland is low given it was detected at a residential property and has not been found on a commercial banana farm in the Northern Territory,” Mr McVeigh said.

“However, bananas are a significant industry in Queensland so we will put in place any relevant measures to keep Queensland free of this fungal disease.

“Banana freckle can be spread by the movement of fungal spores on wet leaves and by human assisted movement of infected fruit.

“Given the nature of the disease, it can only be moved short distances through droplet splash and it won’t spread on the wind.

“Existing Queensland legislation (Plant Protection Act 1989) already prevents the movement of banana plants into Queensland and proposed amendments to this Act would also prevent anyone from bringing banana fruit in to Queensland.

“There is no commercial trade of banana fruit from the Northern Territory into Queensland, so this change would only affect the general public or farmers travelling between the states.

“The incursion of banana freckle serves as a timely reminder to check all movement restrictions before moving any fruit, plants or plant products into or out of Queensland.

“Before you move these items, make sure you comply with the relevant quarantine restrictions.

“The Northern Territory Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries can be commended for the action they have taken to quarantine this incursion locally.

“The Queensland Government has extended its full support to the NT by the way of technical advice and scientific expertise of this disease.”

[ENDS] 28 August 2013

Media Contact: Lachlan Millar 0407 394 580