The National Management Group (NMG), made up of federal, and affected state/territory and industry representatives, has accepted a recommendation from the Consultative Committee on Emergency Plant Pests that Emerald be officially declared free of citrus canker.

That declaration takes effect today.

Primary Industries and Fisheries Minister Tim Mulherin said citrus canker has had a crippling effect on Emerald citrus growers, associated businesses and the Emerald community since it was first detected in June 2004.

"After living with citrus canker and its associated quarantine restrictions for so long, growers and the community finally have something to celebrate," Mr Mulherin said.

"The declaration means the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) can lift all restrictions placed on the movement of citrus and other host material into, within, and out of the Emerald Pest Quarantine Area (PQA).

"The lifting of quarantine restrictions means a return to normality - all citrus plants, fruit, planting material and equipment can now move freely in and out of Emerald.

"However, we cannot be complacent. The citrus canker experience should always serve as a reminder to producers of the importance of the early reporting of suspect pests and diseases, and the use of strict on-farm biosecurity practices."

There is no known cure for this serious disease which causes lesions on citrus leaves, stems and fruit , and results in a significant reduction in fruit quality and quantity.

Mr Mulherin said the declaration followed a successful eradication and disease freedom verification program carried out by the department.