AU: Protecting Central Queensland’s $50 million grape industry

Biosecurity Queensland is reminding everyone to be aware of movement restrictions when sending grape plant material interstate or within Queensland. Biosecurity Queensland Principal Policy Officer, Gary Artlett said restrictions were in place to prevent the harmful insect pest phylloxera from establishing in Queensland. “Under Queensland quarantine regulations, you must obtain an Inspector’s approval before you bring risk items such as grape plant material, packages or vineyard machinery into Queensland,” Mr Artlett said.

“In August last year Queensland’s major table grape production areas of Emerald, Mundubbera and St George were declared free from phylloxera following a three year survey. “This was a huge boost for the industry and the quarantine restrictions in place help to ensure the insect pest does not enter this area. “ Mr Artlett said phylloxera had the potential to kill vines and reduce productivity, and was only known to be present in parts of New South Wales and Victoria. “It is of utmost importance that we protect our grape industry from this potentially damaging insect pest,” he said.

“Different restrictions apply depending on where the risk item originated from. For example, any grapevine material, including fruit, must first meet approved movement conditions before they are imported into the phylloxera-free area, known as the Phylloxera Exclusion Zone (PEZ). “However, the movement of risk items from within the PEZ is not restricted. “All those thinking of sending fruit or any grapevine materials into or within Queensland should make themselves familiar with the movement restrictions to avoid receiving a fine.”

Source: mysunshinecoast.com.au