AFTER an almost two year hiatus, Panama disease tropical race 4 was detected on two banana farms in the Tully Valley this year.
The soil-borne disease has the ability to decimate North Queensland's $600 million banana industry and biosecurity measures have ramped up after it was first detected on Cavendish banana plants in the region in March 2015.
The disease was detected on a second property in the Tully Valley in July 2017 and a third in February 2018.
In February this year, it was confirmed on another property in the region, with the fifth detection confirmed in August.
Biosecurity Queensland and the Australian Banana Growers' Council have banded together with growers to implement strict biosecurity measures on banana farms to limit its spread.
Their hard work was acknowledged this year with the Panama TR4 Program, which was established to contain and control the disease, winning a community award at the 2020 Australian Biosecurity Awards.
The award recognises delivery of significant biosecurity outcomes, raising awareness of biosecurity in the community and an outstanding contribution to protecting plant health.
Panama TR4 program leader Rhiannon Evans said the award recognised the hard work of growers, industry stakeholders and program staff to contain a serious biosecurity threat.
"This disease has had a significant impact on commercial banana production overseas and in the Northern Territory," Ms Evans said.
"Here in Queensland, we've contained it to just five properties in five years.
"It's a great achievement, brought about by a lot of hard work.
"The success of our program is due to a strong, cohesive banana industry, solid research and effective biosecurity regulation.
"The Panama TR4 Program has taken the concept of shared responsibility and really amplified it, making sure industry is with us in our decision-making every step of the way.
"This collaboration and strong positive relationship has led to one of the most successful control and containment efforts for this disease anywhere in the world."