Production in the Carnarvon banana growing region of Western Australia is forecast to drop by up to 30 % as a result of crop damage from ex Tropical Cyclone Mangga.
The out-of-season storm wreaked havoc on the south coast of Western Australia on Sunday, with dust, wind and rain leaving a trail of destruction.
Doriana Mangili, ABGC Director and Carnarvon Sweeter Banana Cooperative business manager, said the damage bill was expected to be between $1.5 and $3 million.
She said the cyclone was the first natural disaster to impact the Carnarvon banana industry in five years.
Growers will be able to apply for compensation through the APC Carnarvon Banana Producers Committee, with damage assessments getting underway on Thursday.
View footage from the ‘once in a decade’ event here