Invitations to participate in the final phase of the National Banana Freckle Eradication Program are being sent to 3000 households in the Greater Darwin Area.

Householders are being contacted via direct mail and email with an invitation to grow banana plants on their property. The free banana plants will then be monitored to determine if Banana Freckle is still present in the six Red Zones.

Kevin Cooper, State Coordinator, said the Sentinel Planting is the most important part of the National Banana Freckle Eradication Program.

“The Northern Territory community has made a significant contribution to protecting Australia’s biosecurity in the last two years,” Mr Cooper said.

“Households that are invited to participate in the Sentinel Planting will play a key role to show if we have successfully eradicated Banana Freckle from the Northern Territory.

“The results from the Sentinel Planting will be analysed and used to inform the case for freedom from Banana Freckle in the Northern Territory,” Mr Cooper said.

People invited to participate in the Sentinel Planting have received a letter or email with details about what is required to take part, Mr Cooper said.

“Each participating household will receive up to three banana plants, free of charge, which have been sourced from areas where Banana Freckle is not present,” Mr Cooper said.

“The majority of participants will be able to collect their plants around November this year.

“Householders will need to care for the plants, and to keep an eye out for any signs of Banana Freckle. Banana Freckle inspectors will also make two visits before May 2017 to inspect the banana plants for any signs of Banana Freckle.

“Over 300 responses confirming participation have already been received, showing the Northern Territory community continues to actively support the Program.

“If you live in the Greater Darwin Area and have received an invitation to participate in the Sentinel Planting, feel free to call the Banana Freckle Hotline with any questions you may have.

“Alternatively, confirm your participation by filling out the form and returning via post or email as soon as possible,” Mr Cooper said.

Territorians are reminded not to bring banana plants or suckers into any of the six Red Zones. Movement and quarantine controls will remain in place until Red Zones are declared free of Banana Freckle.