What we know about the current situation
- Growers around Tully south are currently most affected, though this could change quickly. Many are unable to access their farms so it will take time to understand just what this means for each property.
- The priority at this time is that people stay safe and follow advice from emergency services.
- This is an ongoing event. It is too soon to estimate the extent of any damage or cost to industry. What is clear is that there will be damage – for example, to infrastructure like crossings, fences and irrigation in low lying areas, and of course to crops from water inundation.
- ABGC is also aware of a significant flash flood on Friday night that flattened crops due to the speed at which water was moving in the Tully River.
- Due to the current unknowns, ABGC cannot speculate on what this will mean for supply at this time.
- A clear, immediate concern is transport and major freight routes. Growers across Far North Queensland – and those they supply around the country – will need swift action to ensure produce can get through safely.
- The Australian Banana Growers’ Council continues to monitor the situation closely and will ensure industry reports and concerns are heard.
Advice for growers
- Understand your insurance if applicable.
- Take photos and videos – before, during and after an event. Try to show the scale of damage where relevant by including both close-ups and images that show context or use another object for comparison.
- Save important documents to cloud storage or email to yourself so they are handy. For example, lease agreements, rates notices, identification (take photos of your ID, passport etc), income tax returns and financials.
- Report damage via the Queensland DPI Agriculture Disaster Impact Survey*
- Contact disaster@daf.qld.gov.au for assistance
Be aware of biosecurity
The recent rain in North Queensland has resulted in flooding across banana producing areas. The threat of Panama TR4 spreading through soil and water is a subsequent risk, making on-farm biosecurity of paramount importance. Early detection through regular surveillance is critical to controlling and containing the disease. It’s essential that people and machinery come clean and leave clean, to reduce the risk of spreading contaminated soil and water.
Other relevant resources
- Queensland warnings summary (BOM)
- ABGC cyclone/severe weather resources
- Cassowary Coast Regional Council Disaster Dashboard
- Queensland Government Disaster Management
- Better Bananas
- Disaster Assistance Recovery Grants for primary production businesses – Guideline Interpretation Guide
- Application tips (pages 6-12)
*Please note this survey is not a request for assistance. It helps inform the process to activate disaster recovery funding.
