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Most citrus gets all-clear
22 Jul 2004
Most of Queensland's citrus fruit has been cleared to resume interstate trade. Primary Industries Minister Henry Palaszczuk said a ban will be lifted from today.
A National Consultative Committee will meet on Friday and is expected to give permission for interstate market access for citrus grown in the Gayndah/Mundubbera region. The export overseas of fruit from the Emerald area, outside the infected orchard, has also been approved.
The nursery industry in other states has also agreed to accept Queensland nursery products other than the citrus species.
The initial cost of fighting the outbreak was $1.6 million, shared between the federal government and other states on a per capita basis. But the cost to Queensland will be much higher, with a total of 300 people now employed in fighting canker, perhaps close to the $10 million mark.
Meanwhile, canker has been found in more trees at Evergreen Farms. Work will begin immediately on destroying another 40,000 trees. A further 30,000 trees, planted in lemons, are also scheduled for destruction.
The Australian, 22/7/04.
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