The National Banana Freckle Eradication Program (NBFEP) has issued its first infringement notice as part of the ongoing effort to eradicate Banana Freckle from the Northern Territory.

A resident in Darwin’s northern suburbs has been issued with a $765 on-the-spot fine after a banana plant was discovered at their property today. The fine has been issued under section 19(6) of the Plant Health Act 2008.

“The NT community has overwhelmingly supported the National Banana Freckle Eradication Program, but anyone keeping banana plants jeopardises the eradication program for all Territorians,” Mr Kevin Cooper, NBFEP State Coordinator, said.

“Issuing infringement notices makes it clear we are serious about eradicating Banana Freckle. In serious cases courts can issues fines of around $75,000 can apply.

“Growing, planting, cultivating or propagating banana plants in Red Zones is an offence under the Plant Health Act (2008) and we will continue to issue infringement notices if we find people doing the wrong thing.

“Growing or propagating banana plants in Red Zones undermines the commitment of other Territory residents in eradicating Banana Freckle and will jeopardise the ability of backyard and commercial growers to grow healthy banana plants in the future.

“We have made it clear that banana plants must not be grown or propagated in Red Zones, and this includes plants that have regrown,” Mr Cooper said.

“Destroying banana plants in all Red Zones is vital to ensure the successful eradication of Banana Freckle; there must not be any banana plants in Red Zones until 1 May 2016. Every banana plant that remains is a threat to the success of the Program.

“Our field teams for this Program are working hard on behalf of all Territorians to help eradicate Banana Freckle. They are doing their job and there is no justification for them to be verbally abused, threatened or intimidated. We ask the community to support our valued team members and allow them to get on with their jobs.

“Banana plants that have regrown are a potential host for Banana Freckle and must be destroyed.”

The Program has been contacting community members who had banana plants destroyed in Phase 1 to confirm if they do or do not have regrowth.

“We have been contacting people via SMS, as well as conducting regrowth inspections in the field, to confirm banana plants have or have not regrown,” Mr Cooper said.

“Over half of the addresses that had bananas in the Greater Darwin area Red Zone have had contact with the Program to confirm if they do or do not have regrowth, and if the regrowth has been treated or needs treatment.”

For more information call the Banana Freckle Hotline on 1800 771 163, email banana@nt.gov.au, SMS 0439798140 or visit www.bananafreckle.nt.gov.au