Continued support for Queensland banana growers

Published Wednesday, 20 December, 2017 at 12:03 PM

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries
The Honourable Mark Furner

The fight to save Queensland’s $600 million banana industry from Panama disease will be boosted by a further $3.5 million.

Agriculture Minister Mark Furner announced the funding in Tully where the TR4 strain was first identified in March 2015 and where a second detection was confirmed in July.

Since the first confirmed detection the Palaszczuk Government has invested almost $24 million to contain the spread of the disease.

“Biosecurity Queensland has worked hand in glove with growers, local councils and the Australian Banana Growers Council to limit the spread to two properties, but the government has consistently said there can be no room for complacency,” said Minister Furner.

“Today I am announcing further investments in surveillance and targeted action including more than $900,000 over three years for feral pig control as wild pigs can spread the disease as they move from property to property.

“We have listened to the concerns of growers and Biosecurity Queensland will work with industry and local government stakeholders as well as the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service on the development of a feral pig management plan that complements the activities of the Panama TR4 Program.

“And with early detection critical to containing the disease, $2.4 million of the new funding will be allocated towards increasing surveillance across Far North Queensland, focussing on the properties most at risk.

“Panama TR4 Program staff will provide on-site support to the highest risk growers and will assist these growers with their biosecurity plans to ensure they are ready in case of a detection to minimise production down time and any potential spread of the disease.

“This funding will also support the development of an Interstate Certification Assurance protocol and procedure to reduce the cost of plant health certification for banana fruit consigned from infested properties and enable greater autonomy for growers to manage their trade requirements in the presence of Panama disease TR4.”

Minister Furner said research and development remains a priority for the Palaszczuk Government to assist industry to manage the long-term impacts of the disease.

“The Queensland Government has allocated $170,000 to research focussing on chemical effectiveness in managing Panama disease TR4 and exploring alternative surveillance and detection methodologies,” he said.

Minister Furner praised the growers for their continued vigilance to enforce strict on-farm biosecurity measures to protect their farms from the disease.

“Many growers continue the fight to keep Panama disease TR4 at bay every day. Even though it has been over two and half years since the initial detection, their resolve has not waivered,” he added.

“This Palaszczuk Government will continue its commitment and support to the industry wherever possible.”

If you suspect Panama disease in your plants, report it immediately to Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23. Rapid detection and destruction of infected plants can extend farm viability. More information about Panama disease is available at www.biosecurity.qld.gov.au.


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