The fungal disease threatening north Queensland's $570 million banana industry has been labelled a cancer to the entire region.
A farm near Tully, in the heart of the banana growing industry, was quarantined this week after tests came back positive for Panama TR4.
As farmers and biosecurity officers work to contain it, those in the industry warn it could also devastate other industries if it spreads.
"I think everyone in the north should be worried at this stage," Townsville mayor Jenny Hill told AAP.
"It's about the collective wealth that is invested in this region."
Cassowary Coast mayor Bill Shannon said the scare could lead to a decline in tourism because many backpackers visited the region to pick bananas.
Australian Banana Growers Council chairman Doug Phillips also warned it could have far-reaching impacts.
"This is bigger than just a banana grower issue. This is about everyone in the supply chain and the wider community," he said.
Many of the hundreds of industry delegates who attended meetings in the far north on Thursday and Friday were feeling anxious.
"What I've been telling everyone is 'Plan for the worst and hope for the best'," Mr Phillips said.
One Tully farmer, who did not want to be named, said costs were steadily rising as he paid for extra fencing and spray equipment to stop the disease getting onto his property.
"It will take years to spread - it's like a slow cancer, if you like," he said.
Biosecurity Queensland said test results from the banana farm at the centre of the scare would take up to two weeks to be finalised.
Chief biosecurity officer Dr Jim Thompson said 30 staff in the far north and Brisbane were working on the case.
"We are moving as quickly as we can but this kind of testing is a complex process and takes time," he said.
Panama TR4, which kills the plant but does not affect fruit, has had a major impact on the Northern Territory banana industry since it was found there in 1997.
This is the first time it has been detected in Queensland.
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