Banana IRA team meeting 64, 4 July 2008
The Import Risk Analysis (IRA) team for Philippine bananas met via teleconference on 4 July 2008.
There were no conflicts of interest reported by members.
The IRA team considered stakeholder comments and issues that will need to be included in the report to the independent Eminent Scientists Group.
All members of the IRA team indicated that, subject to the amendments agreed to in Part A, they endorse the IRA report being forwarded to the independent Eminent Scientists Group.
Banana IRA team meeting 63, 24-25 June 2008
The Import Risk Analysis (IRA) team for Philippine bananas met in Canberra on 24–25 June 2008.
There were no conflicts of interest reported by members.
The IRA team considered draft records of meetings and meeting summaries for IRA team meetings 61 and 62. The records of meetings and summaries were agreed.
The IRA team considered stakeholder comments and issues that will need to be included in the report to the independent Eminent Scientists Group regarding the moko pest risk analysis and datasheet. The consultant plant physiologist agreed to provide specific text regarding the movement of Moko bacteria into the soil profile and contacting roots of asymptomatic hosts.
The IRA team discussed revised text for the moko, black Sigatoka and freckle risk management sections developed after consideration of stakeholder comments by the IRA team and agreed to insertions in the revised pest risk analyses.
Banana IRA team meeting 62, 19 June 2008
The Import Risk Analysis (IRA) team for Philippine bananas met via teleconference on 19 June 2008.
There were no conflicts of interest reported by members.
The IRA team considered stakeholder comments and issues that will need to be included in the report to the independent Eminent Scientists Group.
The IRA team further discussed the text for the black Sigatoka risk management section developed after consideration of stakeholder comments.
Banana IRA team meeting 61, 10–11 June 2008
The Import Risk Analysis (IRA) team for Philippine bananas met in Canberra on 10–11 June 2008.
There were no conflicts of interest reported by members.
The IRA team considered the draft records of meeting and meeting summaries for meetings 59 and 60. The records of meeting and summaries were agreed.
The IRA team considered stakeholder comments and issues that will need to be included in the report to the independent Eminent Scientists Group regarding the Moko pest risk analysis and datasheet. The consultant plant physiologist agreed to provide specific text taking account of plant physiological effects for the Moko pest risk analysis.
The IRA team noted the Hansard transcript from the Australian Senate Estimates hearing of 26 May 2008 regarding the IRA. The IRA team confirmed advice to the chair of the IRA team regarding the response to a question on notice from the Australian Senate.
The IRA team discussed revised text for the black Sigatoka risk management section developed after consideration of stakeholder comments by the IRA team and agreed to its insertion in the revised pest risk analysis.
Banana IRA team meeting 60, 6 June 2008
The Import Risk Analysis (IRA) team for Philippine bananas met via teleconference on 6 June 2008.
There were no conflicts of interest reported by members.
The IRA team discussed stakeholder comments and issues that will need to be included in the report to the independent Eminent Scientists Group.
The IRA team chair noted that the specialist in plant physiology and nutrition will be attending IRA team meeting 61.
Banana IRA team meeting 59, 29 May 2008
The Import Risk Analysis (IRA) team for Philippine bananas met via teleconference on 29 May 2008.
There were no conflicts of interest reported by members.
The IRA team considered the draft record of meeting and meeting summary for IRA team meeting 58. The record of meeting and summary were agreed.
The IRA team discussed stakeholder comments and issues that will need to be included in the report to the independent Eminent Scientist Group.
Banana IRA team meeting 58, 20–21 May 2008
The Import Risk Analysis (IRA) team for Philippine bananas met in Canberra on 20–21 May 2008.
There were no conflicts of interest reported by members.
The IRA team considered the draft record of meeting and meeting summary for IRA team meeting 57. The record of meeting and summary were agreed.
The IRA team discussed stakeholder comments and issues that will need to be included in the report to the independent Eminent Scientists Group.
The IRA team discussed revised text for the black Sigatoka risk management section developed after consideration of stakeholder comments by the IRA team.
The revised text for the Moko datasheet was considered by the IRA team. The IRA team commended the Moko working group on the comprehensive technical document presented and agreed it met the requirements previously set by the IRA team. Relevant sections of the revised datasheet will be reviewed to take account of plant physiological effects on the Moko bacterium.
Banana IRA team meeting 57, 15 May 2008
The Import Risk Analysis (IRA) team for Philippine bananas met via teleconference on 15 May 2008.
There were no conflicts of interest reported from members.
The IRA team considered draft record of meeting and meeting summaries for IRA team meeting 56. The draft record of meetings and summaries were agreed.
The IRA team discussed stakeholder comments and issues that will need to be included in the report to the independent Eminent Scientist Group.
The chair of the IRA team has spoken with the banana plant physiology and nutrition specialist who is willing to comment on sections of the draft IRA relevant to their expertise.
Banana IRA team meeting 56, 3 April 2008
The Import Risk Analysis (IRA) team for Philippine bananas met via teleconference on 3 April 2008.
There were no conflicts of interest reported from members.
The IRA team considered draft record of meeting and meeting summaries for IRA team meetings 54 and 55. The draft record of meetings and summaries were agreed with some minor edits.
The IRA team agreed that a member should contact a banana plant physiology and nutrition specialist to seek further information on the water movement in banana fruit, particularly water from dipping tanks that may be drawn into the vascular tissue.
Banana IRA team meeting 55, 28 March 2008
The Import Risk Analysis (IRA) team for Philippine bananas met via teleconference on 28 March 2008.
There were no conflicts of interest reported from members.
The IRA team considered draft record of meeting and meeting summaries for IRA team meetings 41 to 53. The draft record of meetings and summaries were agreed with some minor edits.
The IRA team considered information from an expert on the movement of mucilage and sap from freshly cut banana bunches. The information supports the view of the IRA team that fluid from dipping tanks, potentially contaminated with moko bacteria, will be drawn into the vascular tissue of freshly cut banana bunches.
Banana IRA team meeting 54, 17 and 18 March 2008
The Import Risk Analysis (IRA) team for Philippine bananas met in Canberra on 17 and 18 March 2008.
There were no conflicts of interest reported from members.
The Moko specialist working group provided preliminary advice on the Moko pest risk analysis (PRA), datasheet and stakeholder comments. The IRA team agreed additional work will be required to draft comprehensive responses to stakeholder comments. The main issues discussed included:
- the potential effect of water activity on the growth and survival of Moko bacteria in whole fruit in transit and in banana waste; and
- the species of insects most likely to visit banana waste, and from that group of insects, those that are most likely to transfer moko from banana waste to host plants.
- The effect of flood water on the dispersal and survival of Moko bacteria
Further to the discussions on water activity, the IRA team discussed transpiration of banana fruit from harvest in the Philippines to arrival in Australia. The IRA team were presented with additional literature on this topic including very recent material. The IRA team agreed that the initial view of the material supported further consideration.
The IRA team considered the rate of sap exuded from the cut banana bunches and hands in the dipping tanks of pack houses in the Philippines in relation to uptake of dip tank water contaminated with Moko bacteria. The IRA team agreed further information is required to address this issue.
Banana IRA team meeting 53, 13 March 2008
The Import Risk Analysis (IRA) team for Philippine bananas met via teleconference 13 March 2008.
There were no conflicts of interest reported from members.
The IRA team considered stakeholder comments on consequences for moko. The draft responses for stakeholder comments were agreed.
Banana IRA team meeting 52, 6 March 2008
The Import Risk Analysis (IRA) team for Philippine bananas met via teleconference 6 March 2008.
There were no conflicts of interest reported from members.
The IRA team was informed of Dr Rob Allen’s resignation from the IRA team due to health concerns. The Chief Executive of Biosecurity Australia has been notified. Both the Chief Executive and the IRA team acknowledged Dr Allen’s substantial contribution to the import risk analysis for Philippine bananas.
The IRA team considered stakeholder comments on consequences for black Sigatoka, freckle, BBTV and BBrMV. Draft responses for stakeholder comments were agreed.
The IRA team was updated by the moko working group on progress of considering stakeholder comments and revisions for Parts B and C of the revised draft IRA report.
Banana IRA team meeting 51, 27–28 February 2008
The Import Risk Analysis (IRA) team for Philippine bananas met in Canberra on 27–28 February 2008.
There were no conflicts of interest reported from members.
The IRA team discussed and agreed to record of meetings and summaries for meetings 37–40 and those summaries will be placed on the public file.
The IRA team considered the black Sigatoka and freckle pest risk assessments and data sheet revisions resulting from the consideration of stakeholder comments. Other than some additional data to be included and some minor editorial changes, the pest risk assessments and datasheets for these pests are nearing completion. However, stakeholder comments in relation to consequences and risk management are still to be considered.
The IRA team considered stakeholder comments for arthropod pests.
The IRA team was updated on the progress of the moko working group.
Banana IRA team meeting 50, 21 February 2008
The Import Risk Analysis (IRA) team for Philippine bananas met via teleconference on 21 February 2008.
There were no conflicts of interest reported from members.
The IRA team considered stakeholder comments for banana industry and quarantine pest chapters of the revised draft IRA report. The content of the draft responses and changes to part B and C of the revised draft IRA report were agreed with the IRA team.
Banana IRA team meeting 49, 14 February 2008
The Import Risk Analysis (IRA) team for Philippine bananas met via teleconference on 14 February 2008.
There were no conflicts of interest reported from members.
The IRA team considered draft responses to stakeholder comments in relation to the methodology (chapters 5 through to 7) of the revised draft IRA report. The IRA team agreed on a response for the majority of comments, with some still requiring further consideration.
The IRA team also discussed the stakeholder comments for banana bract mosaic virus and banana bunchy top virus. The IRA team agreed on a response for each comment.
Banana IRA team meeting 48, 6–7 February 2008
The Import Risk Analysis (IRA) team for Philippine bananas met in Canberra on 6 and 7 February 2008.
There were no conflicts of interest reported from members.
The IRA team worked through the black Sigatoka and freckle pest risk analyses (PRA) and data sheets being developed as a result of the consideration of stakeholder comments and written comments received from an IRA team member. The major issues considered by the IRA team were spore dispersal distance for black Sigatoka, the movement of banana waste by animals and infection efficacy.
The IRA team was updated on the progress of the moko working group.
Banana IRA team meeting 47, 31 January 2008
The Import Risk Analysis (IRA) team for Philippine bananas met via teleconference 31 January 2008.
There were no conflicts of interest reported from members.
The meeting was advised that the consideration of stakeholder comments in relation to the moko pest risk analysis (PRA) chapter had begun in a similar manner to the process followed for black Sigatoka and freckle.
The IRA team was reminded that they were advised that the black Sigatoka PRA was being finalised and that written comments should be provided in relation to any areas of concern. One member of the IRA team provided comments on 31 January 2008 and it was agreed that discussion on these comments would be deferred to another time.
The IRA team was informed of progress regarding a revision of the freckle PRA, considering stakeholder comments, for presentation to the next IRA team meeting.
It was noted that specialists engaged to review stakeholder comments regarding the moko PRA were engaged to provide technical advice to the IRA team for consideration and not to make recommendations. The IRA team was briefed on the major issues identified during the initial examination of stakeholder comments in relation to the moko PRA.
Banana IRA team meeting 46, 24 January 2008
The Import Risk Analysis (IRA) team for Philippine bananas met via teleconference 24 January 2008.
There were no conflicts of interest reported from members.
The IRA team considered the changes to the revised black Sigatoka pest risk analysis (PRA) chapter and datasheet. The changes resulted from consideration of stakeholder comments and from discussions at previous IRA team meetings. The process involved going through the latest version and:
- noting the places where changes have been made; and
- confirming that these changes were in accordance with what has been agreed at banana IRA team meeting 45.
It was agreed that if there remains any issue that still concerns the IRA team members, that they provide comments in writing before the next teleconference on January 31.
The IRA team was advised that the consideration of stakeholder comments in relation to the arthropod pests was progressing and that a more detailed paper would be presented at the next face-to-face meeting.
Banana IRA team meeting 45, 15–16 January 2008
The Import Risk Analysis (IRA) team for Philippine bananas met in Canberra on 15–16 January 2008.
There were no conflicts of interest reported from members.
The IRA team discussed the revised black Sigatoka pest risk analysis (PRA) chapter, as presented to the meeting, noting specific areas of significant stakeholder comment. The IRA team noted that infection efficacy had not been considered during the development of the revised draft IRA report. However, as a result of stakeholder comment, it was identified as an issue requiring consideration in the revision of the report. While examining information and scientific papers identified by stakeholders in relation to spore dispersal the issue of infection efficacy was identified as an issue that should be considered in any revision to the black Sigatoka and freckle PRAs.
Information provided to the IRA team in the ABGC supplementary submission will be modelled in the revised PRA for black Sigatoka. The results of this change will be included in the risk management section of the black Sigatoka chapter.
The IRA team noted the revised freckle PRA.
Banana IRA team meeting 44, 10 January 2008
The Import Risk Analysis (IRA) team for Philippine bananas met via teleconference 10 January 2008.
There were no conflicts of interest reported from members.
The IRA team considered the changes required to the text of the black Sigatoka pest risk analysis (PRA) and datasheet and the extra information that would be required if the uniform deposition of spores up to a fixed maximum distance were to be replaced by an exponential deposition rate.
The IRA team discussed the presentation of alternative dispersal mechanisms and noted that it was critical to look at the entire pathway when considering alternative dispersal mechanisms. The IRA team agreed to a listing of scenarios that need to be considered and those that were considered but not considered significant.
Banana IRA team meeting 43, 3 January 2008
The Import Risk Analysis (IRA) team for Philippine bananas met via teleconference 3 January 2008.
There were no conflicts of interest reported from members.
The IRA team noted that the revised black Sigatoka and freckle pest risk analyses (PRA) were being developed taking stakeholder comments into consideration.
It was noted that there were three key points from the revision of the black Sigatoka PRA chapter that drew the attention of the IRA team:
- the retention of the 30 metre proximity zone;
- the concept of infection efficacy; and
- a potential second scenario (the efficacy of post harvest treatments) for assessing risk management.
Banana IRA team meeting 42, 13 December 2007
The Import Risk Analysis (IRA) team for Philippine bananas met via teleconference 13 December 2007.
There were no conflicts of interest reported from members.
The majority of the meeting was devoted to discussion of the freckle datasheet and pest risk analysis (PRA).
The IRA team noted that the incidence of freckle in the Philippines is quite rare and this may reflect the frequent use of fungicides to control black Sigatoka in banana production in the Philippines.
The IRA team discussed the status of freckle in Australia. It was noted that detections of freckle in Australia are isolated from commercial banana production areas in Australia and these have been eradicated.
The IRA team is considering proximity issues raised in stakeholder comments concerning black Sigatoka.
Banana IRA team meeting 41, 6 December 2007
The Import Risk Analysis (IRA) team for Philippine bananas met via teleconference 6 December 2007.
There were no conflicts of interest reported from members.
The majority of the meeting was devoted to discussion of the black Sigatoka data sheet. The major issues covered by the IRA team included dispersal of spores via air, water and vectors; proximity range; distribution, severity and host range of black Sigatoka. The IRA team agreed that substantial changes to the datasheet are required. An edited version will be prepared with changes highlighted for the IRA team’s consideration.
It was agreed that the key areas of work are black Sigatoka, freckle and moko. It was agreed to proceed with work on the black Sigatoka data sheet and pest risk analysis (PRA), and then work on freckle and moko.
The data sheet for freckle has already been revised and it was agreed to look at this at the next IRA team meeting, scheduled for 13 Dec 2007.
Banana IRA team meeting 40, 29 November 2007
The Import Risk Analysis (IRA) team for Philippine bananas met via teleconference on 29 November 2007 with all members present.
Members were given the opportunity to raise any conflict of interest issues.
The IRA team discussed the progress made on addressing stakeholder comments in relation to the black Sigatoka data sheet and noted that there are still a number of stakeholder comments, which will need to be considered further and another draft of the data sheet will be presented to the IRA team.
The IRA team was advised that the information contained in the reference Gasparotto et al 2005 (that is, heliconia as a host of black Sigatoka) needed clarification and will be progressed by contacting the author.
Banana IRA team meeting 39, 21–22 November 2007
The Import Risk Analysis (IRA) team for Philippine bananas met in Canberra on 21–22 November 2007.
Members were given the opportunity to raise any conflict of interest issues.
The IRA team examined categorised stakeholder comments that had been tabulated by Biosecurity Australia. The IRA team agreed an overall rating for each comment. The IRA team gave particular attention to the stakeholder comments that directly related to the pest risk analysis for black Sigatoka.
The IRA team agreed to the establishment of an external expert working group to assist with information in relation to stakeholder comments in relation to the moko PRA.
Banana IRA team meeting 38, 9 November 2007
The Import Risk Analysis (IRA) team for Philippine bananas met via teleconference on 9 November 2007.
Members were given the opportunity to raise any conflict of interest issues.
The IRA team reported that they were continuing to identify and classify stakeholder comments that would be forwarded to Biosecurity Australia for compilation. The document compiled will be provided to all IRA team members at the next meeting.
Banana IRA team meeting 37, 25 October 2007
The Import Risk Analysis (IRA) team for Philippine bananas met in Canberra on 25 October 2007 with all members present.
Members were given the opportunity to raise any conflict of interest issues.
The IRA team noted that Dr Sharan Singh had moved from Biosecurity Australia and was no longer a member of the IRA team.
The IRA team discussed the timelines for the completion of the final IRA report. They noted there will be a need for additional meetings to ensure stakeholder comments are properly considered when developing the final IRA report in order to achieve the timelines included in BAPM No. 2007/15 (i.e. mid-2008). The IRA team agreed they would expedite their input in developing the final IRA report to achieve the timelines.
The IRA team noted an additional supplementary stakeholder submission provided by the Australian Banana Growers Council specifically relating to Chapter 10 (the black Sigatoka pest risk analysis) of the revised draft IRA report. The IRA team agreed to consider the supplementary submission as part of the development of the final IRA report, in conjunction with other stakeholder comments in relation to Chapter 10 and in relation to all stakeholder comments. The IRA team noted that the comment provided in the ABGC supplementary submission could not be considered in isolation to other stakeholder comments.
The IRA team noted that neither the Philippines government agency responsible or the Philippine banana exporters had provided specific stakeholder comment in relation to the minority view section of the revised draft IRA report, specifically the ability of the Philippines to meet the proposed risk management measures. The IRA team agreed to Biosecurity Australia writing to the Philippines Bureau of Plant Industry seeking specific comment in relation to this issue.
The IRA team agreed to tabulate and classify all stakeholder comments. The IRA team noted that they will be required to sign off each response to comments. However, it was noted that this does not necessarily mean agreement with the comment but agreeing that the response to the comment adequately reflected the consensus discussions within the IRA team.
Banana IRA team meeting 36, 4 December 2006
The Import Risk Analysis (IRA) team for Philippine bananas met via teleconference on 29 November 2007 with all members present.
Members were given the opportunity to raise any conflict of interest issues.
The IRA team discussed the progress made on addressing stakeholder comments in relation to black sigatoka data sheet and noted that there are still a number of stakeholder comments, which will need to be considered further and another draft of the data sheet will be presented to the IRA team.
The IRA team was advised that the information contained in the reference Gasparotto et al 2005 (that is, heliconia as a host of black sigatoka) needed clarification and will be progressed by contacting the author.
Banana IRA team meeting 35, 25–26 October 2006
The Import Risk Analysis (IRA) team for Philippine bananas met on 25 and 26 October 2006 in Canberra, with all members present.The IRA team considered drafts of chapters 20 and 21 concerning risk management measures and further steps. After considerable discussion the team agreed to a consistent set of detailed risk management measures to be summarised in chapter 20. It also agreed to chapter 21.
The IRA team agreed that the final section concerning risk management measures of each of the quantitative PRAs for which measures were required, would need to be amended to reflect the consistent and agreed measures summarised in Chapter 20
The IRA team reviewed a full version of Part B of the revised draft report and agreed to consider further drafts of key paragraphs of Part B and a draft of the Summary - Part A by out of session email. The team tentatively scheduled a teleconference for late November to consider final drafts of Parts A, B and C of the revised draft report.
Banana IRA team meeting 34, teleconference 5 October 2006
The Import Risk Analysis (IRA) team for Philippine bananas conducted a teleconference on 5 October 2006, with all members present.
Chapter 8, summarising pests of bananas, was considered and agreed by the IRA team.
The IRA team considered drafts of the risk management measures for those quantitative Pest Risk Analyses (PRAs) that required risk measures. The meeting agreed to consider further drafts of the risk management measures for each PRA, and their combination in Chapter 20, out of session.
The IRA team tentatively agreed to meet next in Canberra on Thursday 26 October 2006 to consider a full draft of the report.
Banana IRA team meeting 33, teleconference 27 September 2006
The Import Risk Analysis (IRA) team for Philippine bananas met via teleconference on Wednesday 27 September 2006 with all members present.
The IRA team noted correspondence from the Australian Banana Growers’ Council concerning news reports of the buff coconut mealybug attacking bananas in the Philippines, and a report from Japan that metal needles had been found in Philippine bananas in Japanese supermarkets.
The IRA team discussed and agreed the draft of the qualitative Pest Risk Assessment for banana rust thrips (WA has area freedom) subject to BA’s verification of the impact of its egg-laying habits and gestation period.
The IRA team gave detailed consideration to the quantitative model evaluating the probability of the entry, establishment and spread of Moko disease. It also discussed the evaluation of the consequences of a Moko disease incursion.
The IRA team considered drafts of the risk management measures for relevant quantitative PRAs and agreed to give them further consideration at a teleconference to be held as soon as practicable in October 2006.
Banana IRA team meeting 32, teleconference 7 September 2006</4H>
The Import Risk Analysis (IRA) team for Philippine bananas met via teleconference on Thursday 7 September 2006 with all members present.
The meeting focussed on the draft quantitative pest risk assessment (PRA) for Moko. The IRA team gave detailed consideration to the quantitative model evaluating the probability of the entry, establishment and spread of Moko disease. It also discussed the evaluation of the consequences of a Moko disease incursion.
The IRA team also agreed to consider risk management measures for relevant quantitative PRAs out of session with detailed consideration at the next teleconference if required.
The team reviewed overall progress with preparation of the revised draft report and agreed to a coordinated work program for the next month.
The IRA team tentatively agreed to hold a further teleconference on the Moko PRA late September and to consider holding a face-to-face meeting from 4–6 October 2006.
Banana IRA team meeting 31, teleconference 21 and 22 August 2006
The Import Risk Analysis (IRA) team for Philippine bananas conducted a teleconference over Monday 21 August and Tuesday 22 August 2006 with all members present.
The meeting focussed on the draft quantitative pest risk assessment (PRA) for Moko. The IRA team gave detailed consideration to the quantitative model evaluating the probability of the entry establishment and spread of Moko disease. It also discussed the evaluation of the consequences of a Moko disease incursion.
It also briefly discussed the approach to drafting measures for those PRAs where these were likely to be required and the additional requirements for PRAs to meet existing area freedoms within Australia for banana pests and diseases.
The IRA team tentatively agreed to hold a further teleconference on Thursday 7 September or Friday 8 September 2006 to consider the Moko PRA further.
Banana IRA team meeting 30, teleconference 25 July 2006
The Import Risk Analysis (IRA) team for bananas from the Philippines conducted a three hour teleconference on 25 July 2006 with all members present.
The IRA team noted correspondence from Dr John Thomas concerning the identification of the abaca strain of BBTV as a separate nanovirus.
The meeting focussed on the five quantitative Pest Risk Assessments (PRA). It discussed and agreed the draft PRAs for Banana Bunchy Top Virus, Banana Bract Mosaic Virus, black Sigatoka and freckle with suitable amendments.
It also discussed the draft moko PRA and agreed a number of changes which are to be reviewed at a further teleconference.
The IRA team tentatively agreed to hold a further teleconference on Monday 21 August 2006 to consider a further draft of the moko PRA and chapters dealing with measures.
Banana IRA team meeting 29, 21–23 June 2006
The Import Risk Analysis (IRA) team for Philippine bananas met in Canberra, 21 –23 June 2006 with all members present.
The IRA team noted correspondence, including the Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries providing information requested last year, a short report about the incidence of Heliconias in northern NSW and Queensland by David Peasley, a letter from the Australian Banana Growers Council attaching a review by Dr Mark Fegan of the report by David Peasley titled “Factors affecting the spread of Moko disease in the major banana production areas of Far North Queensland”.
The meeting focussed on:
HCN and Vapormate studies
The meeting noted a report on the progress of Vapormate trials currently being conducted in New Zealand. It noted that HCN was not currently registered in Australia as a pesticide and that it would require extensive efficacy data before it would be considered by the pesticide registration authority.
Moko and other quantitative PRAs
The meeting spent significant time discussing and agreeing the framework and detail of the Moko, black Sigatoka, freckle, BBrMV and BBTV quantitative pest risk assessments (PRAs), including the model for the probabilities of entry, establishment and spread and for consequences. Revised versions of all PRAs were to be circulated for further comment.
Qualitative PRAs
The IRA team concluded its consideration of drafts of the PRAs for weevils, fruit flies, scales, mealy bugs and mites.
The model and related issues
The IRA team reviewed chapter 7 in detail and agreed that a final version be circulated for comment.
Progress with the balance of Part B and Part C
The meeting noted progress with drafts of chapters 19 and 20, summarising risk measures and further steps in the IRA process, and agreed that drafts be circulated for review out of session. The IRA team noted that final drafts of the pest data sheets had been completed and that they would be cleared with the relevant PRA chapters.
The IRA team tentatively agreed to hold a teleconference around July 24 and that it would meet after mid August as required.
Banana IRA team meeting 28, 17–19 May 2006
The Import Risk Analysis (IRA) team for Philippine bananas met in Canberra, 17–19 May 2006. The IRA team noted Mike Robbins’ absence on leave and that he will be present at the next meeting.
The IRA team noted correspondence from the Australian Banana Growers’ Council (ABGC) requesting its reports on recent chlorine experiments and inspection of Philippines bananas in NZ be placed on the Public File. BA complied with ABGC’s request on 15 May.
The meeting focussed on:
HCN and Vapormate studies
The meeting noted that the end of the HCN study process was being reached and that a report on the progress of Vapormate trials currently being conducted in New Zealand should be available by its next meeting.
Moko and other quantitative PRAs
The meeting spent significant time discussing and agreeing the detail of the Moko, freckle black Sigatoka, BBrMV and BBTV Pest Risk Assessments (PRAs) including the model for the probabilities of entry, establishment and spread and for consequences.
Qualitative PRAs
The IRA team conducted a detailed review of drafts of the PRAs for weevils, fruit flies, scales, mealy bugs and mites. They finalised ratings for their probabilities of entry establishment and spread, and their consequences.
The model and related issues
The IRA team reviewed chapter 7 in detail and agreed that a revised version be circulated for further comment.
Progress with the balance of Part B and Part C
Drafts of chapters 19 and 20 summarising risk measures and further steps in the IRA process are to be drafted and available for review at the next meeting. The IRA team planned the progress with Part C of the draft IRA report.
The IRA team tentatively scheduled meeting 29 in Canberra from 13–15 June 2006.
Banana IRA team meeting 27, 10–12 April 2006
The Import Risk Analysis team for Philippine bananas met in Canberra, 10–12 April 2006. The IRA team noted Bob Paton’s absence overseas, his declared intention to keep himself informed and to participate via email, and that he will be present at the next meeting.
The IRA team noted correspondence from BA to the Philippines Bureau of Plant Industry and its reply.
The meeting focussed on:
NZ Apple IRA developments
The NZ apple IRA team chairman informed the banana IRA team that more than 30 submissions had been received on the NZ apple IRA and outlined the range of issues that had been raised by stakeholders. He noted that BA was developing a work plan to address issues raised across submissions.
HCN Study
The meeting noted there were no new developments with the HCN study.
Moko and other quantitative PRAs
The IRA team discussed the Moko Pest Risk Assessment (PRA), including the model for the probabilities of entry, establishment and spread, noting that the model applied to a scenario for the disease for which the host range only comprised bananas and heliconias. Second drafts of the Moko and the other quantitative PRAs will be prepared, taking account of comments on Moko and its possible wider host range.
Qualitative PRAs
The IRA team discussed the tabulated summaries of the qualitative PRAs for weevils, fruit flies, scales, mealy bugs and mites and noted that full drafts would be reviewed at the next meeting following peer review by scientists within and external to BA.
The model and related issues
The IRA team reviewed all eight chapters covering the introduction and the model. They agreed to change the model’s basic units when assessing exposure from infected clusters of bananas to infected fingers.
Progress on Part C
The IRA team reviewed progress with Part C of the draft IRA report and agreed to review the draft data sheets and other material of Part C as they became available.
The IRA team scheduled meeting 28 in Canberra from 17–19 May 2006.
Summary: Banana IRA team meeting 26, 13- 15 March 2006
The Import Risk Analysis team for Philippine bananas met in Canberra, 13–15 March 2006. It noted recent correspondence, including from the Philippines with additional pest information attached, and the Australian Banana Growers Council providing data on its chlorine trials.
The meeting focussed on:
Tully Flood Plain Study
The meeting noted the relevance of the Tully Flood Plain Study to the possible spread of pests and diseases which are known to be dispersed by water movement. The meeting also viewed a video clip showing farm machinery in operation in a North Queensland banana plantation with attention to soil movement and root disturbances.
Vapormate disinfestation
The meeting noted the potential relevance for management options of ethyl formate fumigation of Philippine bananas arising from the recently published paper on the effectiveness of the Vapormate disinfestation method.
Chlorine report
The IRA team received and noted the content of the report on the literature search on the effectiveness of chlorine as a disinfection treatment for bananas.
Report structure and work program
The IRA team agreed the proposed table of contents, authorship, and a broad timetable for each of the chapters and attachments to Part A, Part B and Part C of the forthcoming draft report with a view to its publication in mid-2006.
Consequences and pest risk assessments
The IRA team discussed and agreed a provisional allocation of consequence ratings for the Moko, freckle, black Sigatoka, banana bunchy top virus and banana bract mosaic virus to be applied to the relevant quantitative pest risk assessment (PRA) models. The Chairman advised the meeting that the establishment of a working group on consequences assessment by the IRA team was not considered appropriate because this is a broader Biosecurity Australia issue.
The team reviewed a draft PRA for freckle disease and agreed a common structure for PRA chapters in part B and the content of data sheets in part C of the draft report.
Methodology developments
The IRA team re-affirmed the draft model previously agreed and noted that its accuracy was to be reviewed by statisticians in the Bureau of Rural Sciences. It adopted scientific notation for presenting small numbers associated with the likelihood parameters in the model.
Measuring Banana Waste Distribution
The meeting received short summaries of the data collected in surveys of wholesalers, retailers and local councils on waste disposal practices and noted that the Queensland Department of Primary Industries had provided a summary of its survey of 1700 households in Queensland for the identification of ‘backyard’ plants. The IRA team noted the excellent response rates and agreed that the data be deployed in the model to identify the volumes of banana waste at various points of the entry pathways. It also noted that further effort would be made by BA to better identify the disposal of banana waste by households.
The next meeting was scheduled for 10–12 April 2006 in Canberra.
Banana IRA team meeting 25, 23–25 November 2005
The Import Risk Analysis team for Philippine bananas met in Canberra, 23–25 November 2005.
The IRA team noted the most recent letter from the Philippines informing Biosecurity Australia that no visit was possible at this stage.
The meeting focussed on:
Hydrogen Cyanide as a treatment
It was agreed that Mr Paton should pursue the HCN issue to identify steps for its formal registration as a treatment for use in Australia.
Trash survey for Philippine Bananas entering New Zealand
The meeting decided not to proceed with the trash survey for Philippine bananas entering New Zealand in light of data from both WA and NZ becoming available.
Methodology developments
The IRA team agreed the draft description of the model structure, and a prototype spreadsheet for the application of the model in each pest risk assessment (PRA).
Measuring Banana Waste Distribution
After significant discussion the IRA team agreed to the collection of a range of data, by BA, to assist with measuring banana waste distribution.
PRA Work Program
The IRA team developed a detailed work plan for the BA team to complete the PRAs for the unrestricted risk and associated data sheets. The plan included the gathering of essential information about the distribution of banana waste.
Chlorine – review of literature
Ecowise consultants briefed the IRA team on the progress of their review of the literature concerning the application of chlorine baths (with and without alum) and other treatments as a potential measure to reduce the risks of bananas imported from the Philippines being contaminated with bacterial, fungal, viral and arthropod infections or infestations.
Stakeholder meeting
The IRA team held discussions with the NSW Department of Primary Industries on issues arising from comments on previous draft reports.
The next meeting was scheduled for 16–18 January 2006 in Canberra.
Banana IRA team meeting 24, 2–4 November 2005
The Import Risk Analysis (IRA) team for the Philippines Bananas met in Brisbane, 2–4 November 2005.
The meeting focused on the methodology for the importation and distribution steps. During the course of the meeting the team adjourned to conduct consultations with key stakeholders on matters arising from their submissions on previous draft IRA reports including with Australian Banana Growers Council.
The next meeting was scheduled for 23-25 November 2005 in Canberra.
Banana IRA team meeting 23, 4-7 October 2005
The Import Risk Analysis (IRA) Team for Philippine Bananas met in Canberra, 4-7 October 2005.
The meeting focussed on:
Importation and Distribution Steps
The team spent considerable time consolidating the importation steps and agreeing on the distribution steps in principle.
Work Plan
A detailed work plan for the BA project team to commence redrafting the PRAs and associated data
sheets was developed by the team.
Pest Risk Assessment
The team discussed a range of issues relating to the PRAs concentrating on identifying areas where there was sound information and areas where there were gaps.
Stakeholder Meetings
The team gave consideration to stakeholder discussions planned for WA. A process was agreed to progress discussions with the Philippines and East Australian stakeholders.
The next meeting was scheduled for November 2005 in Brisbane.
Banana IRA team meeting 22, 9 September 2005
The Import Risk Analysis (IRA) team for the Philippine Banana IRA held a teleconference on 9 September 2005.
The meeting was convened to discuss the model for banana pest risk analyses, particularly the draft distribution steps. It also briefly discussed the importation steps; and establishment and spread.
The next meeting is scheduled for 5-7 October 2005 in Canberra.
Banana IRA team meeting 21, 29-31 August 2005
The Import Risk Analysis (IRA) team for the Philippines Banana IRA met in Canberra 29–31 August 2005. The Chair noted that he had contacted Dr Bryan Cantrell to confirm that he had retired and was no longer available to participate in the IRA team. The Chair acknowledged Mr Cantrell’s very significant contribution to the IRA team to this point.
The meeting focussed on:
Pest Risk assessment
The BA Banana project team, many of whom had only recently begun work on the project, made a series of verbal presentations to the IRA Team on the major pests and diseases for the IRA and discussed them within the framework of PRAs and the associated data sheets. These presentations were used to help formulate a formal work program for the next meeting.
Importation and Distribution Steps
The team devoted significant time to identifying and documenting the importation steps for Philippine bananas. These, together with the distribution steps for which a preliminary analysis was conducted, are to be further progressed by out-of-session teleconference and consultation with the Bureau of Rural Sciences.
Consequences Analysis
The Banana IRA Team approved terms of reference for a consequence assessment working group.
Work Plan
The team developed a detailed work program for the BA project team to commence redrafting the most important PRAs and their associated data sheets for discussion. This included some prioritisation of tasks taking account of existing BA Policy.
Forthcoming Developments
Meetings with WA and Qld stakeholders were tentatively scheduled for October and November 2005. A meeting with Philippine stakeholders with an agreed list of key questions was scheduled for October 2005 subject to The Philippines’ formal agreement.
The next meeting was scheduled for 5-7 October 2005 in Canberra.
Banana IRA team meeting 20, 25-27 July 2005
The Import Risk Analysis (IRA) team for the Philippine Banana IRA met in Canberra 25–27 July 2005. The meeting focussed on:
Pathway Analysis
The IRA team held preliminary discussions regarding pathway analysis and focused on issues relating to proportions, regions, and unit size. The meeting undertook a detailed examination of the importation and distribution steps involved in the revised Draft IRA Report and the issues regarding the unit, consistency, and modelling software (eg @Risk).
Consequence Assessment
The banana IRA team considered issues relating to consequence assessment, such as the objectives of consequence assessments and the merits of establishing a working group.
Chlorine Treatment
The BA team presented the experimental framework of a proposed chlorine disinfection trial. The discussion focused primarily on the objectives of a proposed trail.
Stakeholder Meetings
The IRA team began to develop a series of questions to clarify technical and other issues with stakeholders.
The next meeting was scheduled for 29 - 31 August 2005 in Canberra.
Banana IRA team meeting 19, 15-17 June 2005
The Import Risk Analysis (IRA) team for the Philippine Banana IRA met in Canberra 15–17 June 2005. The meeting focussed on the following key issues:
Consequence Assessment
A progress report was tabled on the sub-project on the potential for Moko spread and impact in the Far North Queensland banana production region.
A preliminary case was outlined for the possible use of the Plant Health Australia Regional Impacts Model in Banana IRA Report consequence modelling.
Risk Management Issues
The potential role of chlorine as a risk management measure will be further assessed in respect of particular pest and diseases, including of PRAs for Moko, Black Sigatoka and Freckle. The issue will also be discussed at appropriate stakeholder meetings.
Stakeholder Input
The team recognised that stakeholders had made very useful comments on the revised draft banana IRA report. A significant portion of the meeting was devoted to a detailed scrutiny of stakeholder comments and their relevance to the PRAs for specific pests and diseases. In part this was done to develop a list of questions for discussion with stakeholders.
Banana IRA team meeting 18, 27-28 April 2005
The Import Risk Analysis (IRA) team for the Philippines Banana IRA met in Canberra 27-28 April 2005 to progress the review of stakeholder submissions and comments ahead of re-drafting the banana IRA report.
The issues included:
Consequences Assessment
Consequences assessment, in particular recognising the differences in the characteristics of the banana industries in the Philippines and Australia was seen as an issue. It was agreed that a better understanding of potentially increased disease risks (eg from Moko) due to the banana production system in Australia was required and to reflect this in consequence assessment. It was agreed to initiate a consequences sub-project to add more quantitative data / information on the Tully / Innisfail banana growing region’s physical features, climate and banana cultural practices.
Risk Management Issues
The banana IRA team considered that further data on risk management issues would be needed to evaluate their effectiveness in reducing the level of risk, for example the efficacy of chlorine for disinfection and its concentration during treatment of bananas.
The next meeting was scheduled for 15–17 June 2005.
Banana IRA Team meeting 17, 30-31 March 2005
A meeting of the Import Risk Analysis (IRA) Team for the Philippine banana IRA was held in Canberra 30-31 March 2005. The purpose of the meeting was to progress the review of stakeholder comments in a sequential process ahead of re-drafting the banana IRA report.
The meeting discussions focussed on the following key issues:
Senate Rural and Regional Affairs reports on the Administration of Biosecurity Australia (BA):
Revised draft Import Risk Analysis (IRA) for bananas from the Philippines and on the New Zealand Apple IRA
- The Banana IRA Team acknowledged the Senate Reports and that the issues raised, like stakeholder submissions on the IRA, would require careful consideration, consultation and response in due course. The Senate inquiries were on the administration of Biosecurity Australia, and as such BA (representing the Australian Government) was primarily responsible for response.
The banana IRA draft work plans and process for handling stakeholder comments
- Stakeholders’ interest in the IRA process was acknowledged by the Chair’s reference to completion of a further revised Draft Philippine Banana IRA Report which would be published when it was in a well-researched and documented form.
- The Banana IRA Team endorsed the Biosecurity Australia Draft Project Plan Revised draft IRA report for the importation of bananas from the Philippines (and associated task plan) subject to some alteration including to project roles and responsibilities.
Consideration of the process for reviewing stakeholder submissions and preliminary deliberations on the stakeholder comments.
- The Banana IRA Team process for considering stakeholder issues, included: inputting issues raised by stakeholders into a database; reviewing reports of issues produced from the database, arranged by subject and other parameters; and categorisation of issues according to the extent of information available from comments.
- The Banana IRA Team requested BA to use its best endeavours to input the remaining stakeholder issues and provide reports for further consideration by the team members ahead of the April IRA meeting.
Banana IRA Team meeting 16, 21-22 February 2005
A meeting of the Import Risk Analysis (IRA) team for the Philippine Banana IRA was held in Canberra 21–22 February 2005.
The purpose of the meeting was to commence the process to give effect to the Government’s commitment to re-draft the revised IRA Report for Philippines bananas and to inform members of changes to Biosecurity Australia initiated by the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.
This was the first face-to face meeting of the IRA Team since the close of the comment period for the Addendum to the Revised Draft IRA Report for Philippine bananas.
The meeting discussions focussed on the following key issues:
Changes to Biosecurity Australia (BA)
Review and re-draft process for the new revised Draft IRA Report on Philippine bananas
- The draft Banana IRA report review and re-draft process would involve a systematic identification of stakeholder comments, resolving methodology issues, pest categorisation, the pest risk analysis (pest risk assessment and pest risk management), redraft of the IRA, quality control and stakeholder consultation.
Composition of the Banana IRA Team.
- The meeting considered that the composition of the Banana IRA Team should remain unchanged. Additional expertise would be sought to cover temporary member absence.
The banana IRA work plan, and database and process for handling stakeholder comments
- The Banana IRA Team has asked BA to assist in the further development of it’s Work Plan to ensure that the IRA process is covered, adequately resourced and the project progress is timely.
- Members gave preliminary consideration to a range of issues involved in the Banana IRA review.
- Database development of banana IRA stakeholder comments would provide a framework to facilitate the organisation, access, authorised-user sharing and linkage of comments to previous IRA reports and papers to ensure they are considered in the new revised draft IRA report.
IRA Method
The Banana IRA Team discussed preliminary views of the Bureau of Rural Sciences on stakeholder comments on some aspects of the methodology on:- the treatment of pests and assessment of diseases and areas of low pest prevalence;
- importation scenarios, conditioning or qualifying importation steps and other pathway issues;
- probabilities / likelihood of pest distributions, entry, establishment and spread and consequences; unrestricted risk; estimating small probabilities; and handling uncertainty and appropriateness of statistics
Records of the Banana IRA Team meetings are to be kept on the public file.