Biosecurity Queensland’s Senior Inspector Andrew Ygosse said an inspector’s approval was required prior to each movement into Queensland from the Northern Territory in order to protect some of Australia’s most productive regions.

“Approvals set certain conditions to minimise the risk of diseases such as mango malformation disease, which has previously been found in both Queensland and the Northern Territory,” he said.

“The Queensland mango industry is worth over $80 million a year, which is more than half of national production.

“Having these quarantine restrictions in place ensures industries are protected from plant pests and diseases occurring in other states”

Mr Ygosse said biosecurity measures such as machinery clean down and inspections were effective ways to restrict pest movement.

“These hygiene requirements help ensure only clean machinery enters Queensland, minimising the risk of moving mango pests in Australia,” he said.

“All producers must contact Biosecurity Queensland to request an inspector’s approval before any machinery leaves the Northern Territory.

“Additionally, businesses must advise an Inspector of transport arrangements prior to the arrival of equipment at the Queensland destination.”

Penalties apply for those who fail to obtain an inspector’s approval when moving machinery into Queensland.

For more information on quarantine restrictions and inspector’s approvals call the Customer Service Centre on 13 25 23 or visit www.biosecurity.qld.gov.au