Media Release

Northern Territory Government

Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade Banana freckle detected at new locations

5 August 2022

The Northern Territory Government is continuing surveillance for plants infected with banana freckle after the detection of the disease at 12 new sites. The Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade’s biosecurity team has found banana freckle at premises in Fly Creek, Batchelor, Marrakai and the Tiwi Islands.

Following the detection of these samples the commencement of a Banana Freckle Response Plan has been put on hold until more detailed surveillance has been completed to better understand the extent of the spread and develop the best possible strategy for banana freckle.

There are currently 29 sites infected with banana freckle, the majority are in the Batchelor -Rum Jungle region.

More information about the signs of the disease is available online at nt.gov.au/banana-freckle [https://nt.gov.au/industry/agriculture/food-crops-plants-and-quarantine/banana-freckle].

If you are unsure whether you have banana freckle, contact the plant biosecurity team on 1800 084 881.

Please check your plants and email plantbiosecurity@nt.gov.au

Quotes attributable to the Northern Territory’s Chief Plant Health Officer, Dr Anne Walters

“The latest positive samples show that banana freckle is more widespread than was initially thought. We continue to ask the public to be diligent and to inspect their plants and to let us know whether they show symptoms of banana freckle, or not.

“Staff from Biosecurity Northern Territory will continue to collect as much information as possible through continued surveillance about where banana freckle is being detected to try and establish how far the disease has spread. Our staff will continue to liaise with banana growers and industry groups to keep them informed on this evolving situation.

“The surveillance is an important part of our efforts to protect the Northern Territory’s banana industry. We urge anyone who has a banana plant to contact the hotline. A healthy plant provides an important piece of information for our team."

NT Farmers Association CEO Paul Burke

“The confirmation of Banana freckle at 12 new sites demonstrates the need for everyone to check their banana plants for signs of Banana freckle. If you have a banana plant in your backyard or if you have a commercial farm, it is essential that you check your plants."

"If you suspect that you have banana freckle please contact the 24 hour Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881.

"The department's biosecurity team have been working on the development of a response plan, with the input from industry. Strong partnerships with industry, government and community will deliver the best outcomes."

ENDS.

Media contact: 0499 848 924

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