Banana industry to fast-track sale

KIMBERLEY VLASIC terday cleared the Tully property of Panama disease Tropical Race 4, a soil-borne fungus considered the worst disease of bananas in the world.

Had the results been positive the Federal Government would have withdrawn a $3.3 million loan for the buyout of Bevan Robson’s infested Tully Valley farm, which has been under strict quarantine since the initial detection in March last year.

Australian Banana Growers’ Council chairman Doug Phillips said, with no new de- tections, the industry body would proceed with the sale “as soon as legally possible”.

“We’re hopeful it will be early next week,” he said.

“We’ve just got to make sure everything lines up and we can get the deal done.”

Mr Phillips praised the Robsons and the owners of the second property for their patience during what he described as a “difficult and stressful time”.

Cassowary Coast Banana Growers’ Association chairman Dean Sinton also welcomed the negative test result.

“It’s a good outcome for the industry as far as containment goes,” he said.

“At this stage it goes to show that people’s biosecurity measures are effective.”

Banana growers will pay for two-thirds of the buyout through an increased industry levy with the Federal Government to chip in $1.5 million as well as the $3.3 million loan.

Once settlement has been reached, ABGC will cease operations and all banana plants on the property will be destroyed to stop TR4 spreading.

Growers are urged to report suspect plants to BQ on 13 25 23.