September 14, 2021
Changes within the Bunchy Top Control Zone
The New South Wales Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI) has announced changes designed to reduce red tape around banana plants in the Bunchy Top Control Zone that will come into effect on October 1.
While moving planting material within the zone was previously strictly regulated, from next month the NSW DPI has made changes to ensure it is easier – provided the material is safe and appropriate for use.
Amongst other changes, for planting applications, notification can be given up to 7 days after planting instead of 7 months before – significantly reducing red tape and better suiting grower needs. Other amendments provide additional support by acknowledging a grower is best placed to protect their own business in making decisions on planting material, while considering their own lawful obligations to protect others by meeting their General Biosecurity Duty.
Requirements around notification of suspect BBTV, clearing weeds around plants and the destruction of aphids and infected plants that are in the best interest of all growers will stay.
You can see the NSW DPI’s media release on the topic by clicking here. ABGC will provide further advice once the final Control Order has been issued.
The National Bunchy Top Project, run by the ABGC and playing a major role in the containment and management of banana bunchy top virus in northern NSW and SEQ, was consulted as part of the process and growers are welcome to reach out if they have any questions.
There are a bunch of other resources available online too, including: