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Citrus disease due to 'breach'
8 Jul 2004
The threat to Queensland's citrus industry could have been avoided if quarantine rules were properly followed, says Premier Beattie. While authorities are still to determine the origin of the current outbreak of citrus canker, a quarantine breach is most likely. The culprit property is just seven km from Queensland's largest orchard.
Mr Beattie said that consequent interstate export bans would hurt farmers but are necessary to prevent the spread of the disease nationwide. The issue of compensation won't be addressed until the investigation is completed.
A spokesman for the Primary Industries minister said a plan to eradicate the disease is in place and he expected interstate bans to be lifted as early as next week. He dismissed producers' claims there are not enough inspectors in the state to monitor such diseases.
News.com.au, 7/7/04.
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