Queensland commits to banana freckle eradication

The Newman Government has taken action and put its full support behind protecting Queensland’s banana industry against the Banana Freckle fungal disease.

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry John McVeigh said the national eradication program for banana freckle announced today would greatly benefit Queensland banana growers.

“There was a quick and unanimous decision from all states, the Northern Territory and the banana and nursery industries to move quickly to eradicate this plant pest following its detection on Cavendish bananas near Darwin at the end of August,” said Mr McVeigh.

“The Newman Government is committed to protecting industry against biosecurity threats and will contribute $125,000 towards the banana freckle national eradication program.

“Changes have also been enacted today to the Plant Protection Regulation 2002 to prevent banana fruit being brought into Queensland from the Northern Territory.

“If the disease was to become established in Queensland, it could cause serious damage to our major commercial banana industry.

“In the Philippines where banana freckle is widespread on Cavendish bananas, it causes an estimated 59 per cent of fruit being rejected for sale.

“Banana freckle can be spread several different ways, including the movement of infected fruit.

“We have strengthened our existing legislation which already prevented the movement of banana plants and soil, but still allowed banana fruit to be brought in to Queensland from the Northern Territory. 

“There is no commercial banana trade between the Northern Territory and Queensland.  This change will only affect the general public travelling between the two states that will no longer be able to bring banana fruit into Queensland.

“The circumstances of the incursion near Darwin and the nature of the disease meant the likelihood of banana freckle entering our state from the Northern Territory was low.

“However, to ensure any risk to our banana industry is as minimal as possible, we have taken action to step up our banana biosecurity in Queensland.”

[ENDS] 04 October 2013

Media Contact: Louise Gillis 0408 709 160