Qld: Filipino bananas threaten frogs: Democrats
The Australian Democrats have warned that allowing bananas to be imported from thePhilippines will threaten Australia's native frog species.
The federal government is currently assessing the risks of agreeing to the Philippines'request to sell its bananas in Australia.
But Democrats Agriculture spokesman Senator JOHN CHERRY says it would be an ecologicaldisaster if frogs from the Philippines entered North Queensland through banana imports.
Senator CHERRY says the Worldwide Fund for Nature has identified this as a very realrisk, because it's difficult to prevent frogs from being included in import shipments.
He says frogs have been known to survive being refrigerated, sprayed and even shrink-wrapped.
Senator CHERRY says the risk to native frogs would be in addition to substantial damageto Australia's $400 million banana industry if exotic diseases like black SIGATOKA wereintroduced.
Research suggests these diseases could cost the industry $198 million in lost production,increased spraying and labour costs.
AAP RTV nr/tb/rt
KEYWORD: FROGS (BRISBANE)
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