Acting Primary Industries Minister Premier Will Hodgman announced the restrictions lift on Thursday.

“Tasmanian blueberry growers can resume unrestricted trade with their largest interstate market following the success of Biosecurity Tasmania’s blueberry rust eradication program,” Mr Hodgman said.

As a result, blueberry rust related restrictions between Tasmania and Victoria have been lifted. Western Australia, though a smaller market, is still considering the area freedom claim. Blueberry rust was first detected in Tasmania in 2014 in a consignment of blueberry plants imported from Victoria.

“The decision to remove and destroy blueberry plants was not taken lightly, however it was a decision made in the best interests of all involved in the industry, and clearly it has worked,” Mr Hodgman said.

As a result of the eradication program, about 130 public reports have been investigated, more than 100,000 plants have been inspected and 54 properties have been cleared.

“This is a demonstration of what can be achieved by a coordinated approach led by Biosecurity Tasmania, and supported by the industry and the community.”

Fruit Growers Tasmania business development manager Phil Pyke praised the work of Biosecurity Tasmania in their efforts to eradicate the biosecurity threat. He said the feedback from members had been overwhelmingly positive.

“They are all very happy in the commercial sense, with the response, management and ongoing work of Biosecurity Tasmania,” he said.

Mr Pyke said two small blueberry producers had been infected with the disease and said the industry still stood by those producers.

“We wish there was a mechanism for them to get compensation, but there just isn’t at this stage,” he said.

No commercial blueberry grower was found to be contaminated with blueberry rust.