Growers fear fallout

THE Capricorn Coast's pineapple industry could be crippled after Federal Minister Joe Ludwig gave the green light for importation of Malaysian pines that are plagued with disease.Tropical Pines Agronomist Col Scott, who has worked in the pineapple industry for more than 30 years, said the importation of pineapples affected with bacterial collapsed heart rot (Erwinia chysanthemi) could wipe out the Australian pineapple industry."I have seen this disease at work overseas and I can assure you it is not pretty," Mr Scott said."If the disease gets into the country it could wipe our industry out."Mr Scott said the local pineapple industry had experienced a 40% growth over the past 12 months and was still growing with more than 400,000 trays supplied annually, which equated to about $10 million in revenue for the local industry."This figure can be doubled if you include product that is supplied to the cannery so it represents a large boost to the economy," Mr Scott said.Member for Keppel Bruce Young said Queensland pineapple growers prided themselves on having a green and clean reputation and they had the right to keep it that way."This decision by Minister Joe Ludwig is completely ludicrous," Mr Young said."We need to use every political avenue and clout to knock this on the head as soon as possible before irreparable damage is done."This disease is neither preventable nor treatable and has the ability to wipe out a complete industry".