National Management Group Communiqué:
Banana freckle (Phyllosticta cavendishii) – 17 July 2025
The National Management Group (NMG) for banana freckle (Phyllosticta cavendishii) met on 17 July 2025 and approved a Transition to Management (T2M) plan for the current phase of the response. This follows the NMG’s determination that it is no longer technically feasible to eradicate banana freckle from Australia. The NMG also increased the Upper Limit on Expenditure to $6.3 million to deliver T2M activities in this phase of the response.
To maintain future trade opportunities and prevent further spread, an ongoing official control program for banana freckle will be developed by the Northern Territory (NT), Commonwealth and other impacted jurisdictions, and in consultation with industry as part of the T2M plan. In this phase, ongoing monitoring for new detections of banana freckle and community awareness will be essential in maintaining official control.
The national T2M plan will also focus on:
- maintaining domestic and international trade,
- building industry and community capability,
- engagement and communication with stakeholders, and
- completing an orderly standdown of response activities.
More information on response activities for banana freckle is available at nt.gov.au/industry/agriculture.
The NMG expressed its appreciation for the dedicated and ongoing efforts of the NT Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (NT DAF), affected industries, and the local community in managing the incursion. Thanks to these efforts, all known infected banana plants have now been removed. During the T2M phase, NT DAF will continue to monitor for banana freckle and investigate future opportunities to expand the NT banana industry.
The national biosecurity system in Australia is effective at preventing and addressing pest and disease incursions through a coordinated approach, offshore, at the border, and onshore. This involves prevention, detection, eradication and management techniques.
If you suspect the presence of banana freckle or if you notice any symptoms, contact the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881. You can find out more about how we respond to plant pest and disease incidents at www.outbreak.gov.au.