Changes to TR4 destruction zones approved

Thank you to those who shared feedback as part of the consultation process.

View the consultation communications and engagement summary.

The Australian Banana Growers’ Council, on behalf of industry, proposed changes to the Panama TR4 Code of Practice, to allow for smaller destruction zones. After extensive consultation with industry, and approval by the Queensland Government, Version 2 of the Code of Practice commenced 30 September, 2024.  

A note from ABGC:

In proposing the amendment to the Code of Practice, the ABGC acknowledged it had been nine years since the first TR4 detection in Queensland, buying considerable time for the industry to adjust and prepare. The ABGC Board supported:

  • the destruction zone being reduced in size to include the infected plant plus others for distance of 5 metres along the row in both directions, for 10m total length,

  • no destruction across the inter-row

The reduction in destruction zone size has the potential to provide a more practical and workable solution to infested property owners in managing the disease, based on best available information.

See the amendment side-by-side:

Previous version

PART 4 Plant destruction requirements

21 Establishing a destruction zone

Within three business days of receiving documentation confirming a positive diagnostic result, a destruction zone must be established that-

a) extends 10 metres in either direction from the infected plant along-

   (i) the row of the infected plant; and

   (ii) the immediate adjacent rows of plants; and

   (iii) the interrows between the row of the infected and adjacent plants; and

b) is bordered by a temporary barrier to deter unauthorised access; and

c) has signage placed on the temporary barrier stating that there is to be no unauthorised access to the destruction zone.

Current version (V2)

PART 4 Plant destruction requirements

21 Establishing a destruction zone

Within three business days of receiving documentation confirming a positive diagnostic result, a destruction zone must be established that-

a) extends 5 metres in both directions from the infected plant along the row of the infected plant; and

b) is bordered by a temporary barrier to deter unauthorised access; and

c) has signage placed on the temporary barrier stating that there is to be no unauthorised access to the destruction zone.

Questions? Contact our team directly:

Phone: 0400 067 438

(Jess Portch, Grower Support Coordinator)

Email: info@abgc.org.au