THE Australian Banana Growers’ Council (ABGC) has made a comprehensive submission to Queensland and Commonwealth Governments seeking several programs to assist North Queensland growers manage Panama Tropical Race 4 (TR4).
ABGC CEO Jim Pekin said that, in a positive first step, the Queensland Government has approved one of the proposed programs.
“The ABGC will utilise $300,000 in Queensland Government funding to employ and manage specialist biosecurity advisers. These advisers will provide training to small groups and individual growers to help keep banana farms free of TR4,” Mr Pekin said.
Details of the ABGC’s submission were discussed on Tuesday in Brisbane at the first meeting of the Queensland Government’s Panama Disease Taskforce. Participants include representatives from all levels of government, including two North Queensland councils, and the ABGC.
“A key message from the ABGC to the Taskforce is that the banana industry is here to stay because growers are fighting the spread of this disease,” Mr Pekin said.
“What the banana industry looks like in the long term is mostly up to growers. But we have said to all three tiers of government that the industry’s future also depends on their support,” he said.
“A joint approach involving industry as well as the Commonwealth and State Governments is necessary.”
Mr Pekin said the proposed package includes both biosecurity response programs and longer-term measures to support the North Queensland industry and the region’s economy.
“We will be working with government to introduce the most effective plan possible.
“One of the proposed programs is for the ABGC, Queensland Government and Commonwealth Government to make equal contributions to assist growers from TR4-infected properties. The ABGC will fund its contribution through a voluntary grower levy of one-cent-per-kilogram of bananas marketed that comes into effect on April 27.
“Other main proposed programs requested of the Commonwealth Government include containment measures and a specific Panama TR4 research fund.
“ABGC is also requesting that the Queensland Government consider programs such as management and compliance and a clean planting material program.”
