The Banana Freckle Eradication Program has officially moved into Phase Two, with the focus now on replanting in 2016.
Minister for Primary Industry and Fisheries Willem Westra van Holthe said the community can play an active role by signing up for the free Sentinel Replanting Program.
“We’re encouraging residents to register for the program, with up to 4,000 properties required to take part in the initiative,” Minister Westra van Holthe said.
“There is currently a banana free restriction on Red Zones which will be lifted in May 2016 and it is vital we have residents signed up and ready to replant once that restriction is lifted,” he said.
“All sentinel banana plants will be monitored once in the ground. This is critical in order to prove the Northern Territory has successfully eradicated the disease.”
A variety of banana plants will be available through the Sentinel Replanting Program, including: Lady Finger; Formosana; Cavendish; Pisang Ceylan; Ducasse and Goldfinger.
Minister Westra van Holthe said the end of Phase One of the Banana Freckle Eradication Program has shown the Territory is prepared to do what it takes to protect the biosecurity of the Northern Territory and Australia.
“Almost 42,0000 properties across the Northern Territory have helped to make the eradication program a success. I thank each and every one of those people for their efforts.
“We are at the forefront of Australia’s largest ever plant pest response and the support of Territorians has been overwhelming.”
Source: Northern Queensland Register