Restricted area for the control of citrus canker removed in Katherine
The citrus canker restricted area in Katherine was removed on 20 November, with affected residents in Cossack now able to replant citrus on their properties.
In June 2018, a plant with citrus canker was detected in Cossack. A restricted area was gazetted around the infected plant and all citrus canker host plants were removed from the restricted area by late 2018. The area has remained free of citrus canker host plants for the required time period, and there has been no evidence of citrus canker disease during regular checks. As a result, the restrictions have been lifted in Katherine.
A quarantine control area remains in place for the Katherine local government area. Citrus plants, fruit and leaves cannot be moved outside this control area without a permit. They can, however, be moved around freely within the control area.
Twelve restricted areas remain in the greater Darwin area, including in the northern suburbs, Palmerston, Humpty Doo, Howard Springs and Lambells Lagoon. Citrus canker host plants cannot be grown in, moved from or into the restricted areas. Affected residents will be advised when these restrictions are removed.
Citrus plants, including lemons, limes and grapefruit, in the greater Darwin and Katherine areas continue to be checked for citrus canker disease. Building evidence that the disease is no longer in the Territory keeps us on track for proving freedom from the disease, and the lifting of all restrictions by the end of 2020.
Residents with citrus plants are encouraged to book a free plant health check by:
- calling or texting the program team on 0436 643 470
- emailing citruscanker@nt.gov.au
- submitting an online report
