Banana growers across Australia are being urged to cast their votes in the current levy poll. The industry is currently being asked whether the current Plant Health Australia (PHA) levy can be increased from the rate of 0.0103 cents per kilogram, to 0.5 cents per kilogram to partially fund the purchase of the TR4-infected Tully farm.
The levy ballot closes on August 22, and with potential delays in mail time from some areas, ABGC Chairman Doug Phillips is calling on growers to vote sooner rather than later.
“Our national levy ballot to fund TR4 containment is a significant moment in the industry’s history,” Mr Phillips said.
“It is essential for growers to take part in the ballot and make their thoughts known on this decision.
“The ABGC sees the purchase of the TR4 infected property as the best option for ongoing disease management. We must protect our most productive banana growing region from the further spread of disease,” Mr Phillips said.
For any queries on the ballot, please contact the Ballot Administrator on 1300 737 880 or the ABGC’s Jim Pekin on 07 3278 4786.
The ballot result will be announced on August 26.
The Ballot Administrator is Boardroom Limited in Sydney. They could also be emailed on bananalevy@boardroomlimited.com.au.
For more information:
Paula Doran
Communication’s Manager
Mob: 0447 615 135