QUEENSLAND has finally been declared free of the citrus canker disease, four-and-a-half years after a disastrous outbreak.
The blight, which was first discovered in June 2004, crippled the citrus industry around Emerald in central Queensland where all but 10,000 of the area's half million commercial citrus trees were destroyed to control the disease.
Primary Industries Minister Tim Mulherin said Friday's declaration came just weeks after the state was declared free from equine influenza.
"Getting the all-clear on two devastating diseases within a month is great news for Queensland and shows we have the expertise and ability to handle serious biosecurity threats," Mr Mulherin said.
About 190,000 citrus trees have been replanted in the Emerald area over the past 18 months.
The first fruit is expected to be harvested in the next few months, but Mr Mulherin says it would be some time before the trees reached full production.
AAP