MINISTER for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, John McVeigh, has announced frontline action to better protect Far North Queensland bananas from the spread of yellow sigatoka.
The Minister toured Far North Queensland recently, visiting banana growers and the South Johnstone Tropical Research Station.
Mr McVeigh said a major concern for the industry was the lack of enforcement to ensure outbreaks of yellow sigatoka, also known as leaf spot, were treated.
"Yellow sigatoka is an endemic banana plant disease in Far North Queensland - Australia's largest banana-producing region," Mr McVeigh said.
"Spores carry the disease between farms on the wind. The disease damages leaves, reducing the size of banana bunches and fruit quality."
Mr McVeigh said his department would provide more frontline resources to enforce plant health regulation relating to yellow sigatoka.
"Biosecurity Queensland will be following up on directions placed on a small number of growers to ensure they are compliant with the regulation," he said.
"The vast majority of growers do the right thing, but we need to ensure everyone does the right thing."
The banana industry funds the work of a liaison officer who identifies instances of the disease and assists growers to manage infestations.
The Australian Banana Growers Council had asked for government assistance with enforcing regulations in instances where leaf spot was reported.
ABGC chief executive officer, Jim Pekin, said the industry was grateful for the Minister's response.
"The enforcement of disease regulation is a major priority for the banana industry," Mr Pekin said.
"We greatly appreciate the Minister's interest in our industry and the assistance provided to help our efforts to control yellow sigatoka."
