Industry update - May 2026
Latest news and information from the Grower Support (Biosecurity) team at the Australian Banana Growers' Council (ABGC)
Current situation
Properties with Panama TR4 in Queensland
Latest surveillance statistics (31 March 2025 - 20 February 2026)
Did you know? Farm visits are available to help!
Maurice Thompson is ABGC’s Grower Support and Engagement Officer.
Panama TR4 has now been confirmed on 11 properties within the Tully Valley.
If you’ve been holding off putting in some simple measures to protect your farm, this should remind you that the disease is spreading – so it’s time to get cracking.
The good news? You don’t have to do it alone.
Our Grower Support and Engagement officer, Maurice Thompson (pictured), can work with you to:
Develop a biosecurity plan for your property
Improve your existing biosecurity measures
Check your property against the Biosecurity BMP
If a suspect plant showing symptoms of Panama TR4 is identified on your property, resulting in a sample being taken, he can also help to:
Understand and provide support through the sampling process
Address biosecurity concerns
Provide an understanding of the regulatory requirements
If you’re interested in finding out more, contact us using the form below or reach out to growersupport@abgc.org.au
Updated Grower Kit
The original Panama TR4 Grower Kit has now been updated.
In consultation with key stakeholders, the Grower Kit has been refreshed - keeping the information that remains current and adding some important new updates.
The Kit draws on the wealth of resources contained in the original version, but provides relevant, new information more than ten years on from the first detection in Queensland.
The Kit also reflects the fact that the program is now industry-led. In it you’ll find:
Signs and symptoms of Panama TR4
How to check your plants
How surveillance works under the ABGC
Support and extension available
A breakdown of ICA-67 and more
Download your copy, or a section relevant to you, here:
New shed poster available
The ABGC-designed poster provides info about key pests and diseases for bananas.
The ABGC has designed a new shed poster, ensuring the signs of key pests and diseases are always close at hand.
Developed through Hort Innovation-funded project BA24003, the poster covers five exotic and endemic biosecurity pests of concern including Panama TR4. Others featured are Banana Bunchy Top, black Sigatoka, Banana Freckle and Moko.
Download or request a copy here:
Team update
Sarah Rowan is currently the acting Program Manager.
Program Manager Elisha Farmer is currently on parental leave, with Senior Project Officer Sarah Rowan stepping in to the Acting Manager position.
Sarah (pictured) has been with the program for more than a year and brings a wealth of previous management experience to the role. Her appointment provides continuity for the program.
Reach out at any time: 0458 777 929 or growersupport@abgc.org.au
How they did it: Michael’s biosecurity story
Michael Singh has introduced a range of biosecurity measures on his NSW farm.
In the latest edition of Australian Bananas magazine, the DPI’s Ingrid Jenkins takes us to Michael Singh’s farm to find out about his simple but effective biosecurity measures.
Read the story here:
Take a look at galleries to see what measures might work for you: