Finding and destroying banana plants that have regrown is the major focus of the National Banana Freckle Eradication Program over the next two weeks.
Kevin Cooper, State Coordinator, has asked all residents who had banana plants destroyed in Phase 1 to contact the Program as soon as possible.
“The deadline for reporting the presence of absence of regrowth has passed, and we need to hear from you as soon as possible,” Mr Cooper said.
“We need to know whether your banana plants have or have not regrown.
“If your banana plants have regrown, and you have treated the regrowth, contact the Program so we can update our records.
“If your plants have not regrown, give the Program a quick call, email or SMS message to let us know. Providing this information will make sure we are free of banana plants which could potentially host Banana Freckle.
“The Program’s focus over the next week is to finalise the outstanding cases, so we can prepare for the next phase.
“So far close to 8000 people have contacted the Program to let us know whether they have or haven’t experienced regrowth, which is a great response and shows the community is taking the fight against Banana Freckle seriously.
“We are waiting to hear from about 1500 properties that had banana plants destroyed; if you get a phone call, SMS or email we appreciate your assistance in moving the Program forward.
“We need to make sure all banana plants and regrowth are destroyed, so we can start the count-down to replanting in May 2016,” Mr Cooper said.
The Northern Territory has a highly mobile population and the Program has been making field visits checking for regrowth, Mr Cooper said.
“People go on holidays, spend time in other States, get new jobs, move house and go overseas all the time. The Program is aware of this and will continue to work with the community to destroy any regrowth,” Mr Cooper said.
“To ensure the success of the replanting phase we need to make sure there are no live banana plants for the Banana Freckle fungus to survive on.
“We are reminding people that fines apply for having banana plants in Red Zones, and fines may apply if residents fail to treat any regrowth,” Mr Cooper said.
To report regrowth call the Banana Freckle Hotline on 1800 771 163, email banana@nt.gov.au, SMS 0439798140 or visit www.banana.nt.gov.au