THE Banana Freckle Eradication team has taken to skies over the Top End, undertaking aerial surveillance on regions including Dundee Beach and Humpty Doo.
Minister for Primary Industry and Fisheries Willem Westra van Holthe said every effort is being made to ensure all banana plants in Red Zones are destroyed by the April 30 deadline.
“Destruction of plants in the Red Zones is compulsory. Those who don’t comply risk a fine and are jeopardising the fantastic efforts of more than 40,000 households across the Territory,” Minister Westra van Holthe said.
“We have now moved from Eradication to Enforcement Phase, which means residents who refuse to remove their plants could face serious penalties,” he said.
“The Northern Territory Government is committed to eradicating Banana Freckle- we’re at the frontline of the national response effort and our good work will ensure the Top End and the rest of the country will be able to grow healthy bananas into the future.”
Field teams are working seven days a week to meet the deadline, in areas including Darwin, Palmerston and the rural area.
Minister Westra van Holthe said destruction of Red Zone banana plants has been completed on almost 90 per cent of properties known to have plants.
“The Banana Freckle Eradication Team has done an outstanding job. They’re currently dealing with a very small pocket of resistance and I urge those people to rethink their actions and do what is in the best interest of the Territory.
“We can only succeed in eradicating this serious plant pest if everyone does their bit.”
To make a booking with an eradication team, or to notify them that you don’t have banana plants, please call the Hotline on 1800 771 163 or email banana@nt.gov.au
