FNQ situation update (13 Feb)
Access to and from Far North Queensland is still restricted. There have been reports of intermittent access throughout the week but growers are largely unable to send their fruit south. The cost to industry has been estimated at about $20 million per week (farm gate). Gaps in supply are expected, but industry stands ready to move at the first opportunity. Getting back to ‘normal’ could take somewhere between a week to 10 days, but the situation is still unfolding.
This is a challenging time for many growers in FNQ, and we’re encouraging all banana lovers to continue to support industry by purchasing bananas when they can. Please check QLD Traffic for latest road information.
Please refer to QLD Traffic for latest road information.
Chair calls for action on roads
The Australian Banana Growers’ Council has called for urgent action to improve infrastructure connecting Far North Queensland to the south.
“Weather resilient road corridors are crucial not only for those of us who live and work in the Far North, but also for maintaining the flow of essential goods, including bananas,” ABGC chair Leon Collins said.
Members can get access to more information around ABGC advocacy on this and other issues, by logging into the Members’ Portal.
Current disaster assistance
The Queensland Government has announced that grants of up to $25,000 are available to flood-affected primary producers, small businesses and not for profit agencies impacted by the North Queensland floods. Guidelines and application information will be available soon on the QRIDA website. Keep an eye out for updates.
The Australian Government has activated the Commonwealth’s Disaster Recovery Allowance for the LGAs of Burdekin, Cassowary Coast, Hinchinbrook, Palm Island and Townsville. Details here: North Queensland Floods, January – February 2025 – Services Australia
Reminder: take photos and video of damage to help with any funding applications. Ideally, capture images before and after the event and try to show the scale of damage (use an object, or take close-ups as well as images from a distance).
This survey is not a direct request for help but does support the Government make a case for further disaster funding activations.
ABGC will update growers on any further disaster assistance announcements as they come to hand.
Resources
- Queensland warnings summary (BOM)
- https://www.qrida.qld.gov.au/primary-producers
- ABGC cyclone/severe weather resources
- Cassowary Coast Regional Council Disaster Dashboard
- Queensland Government Disaster Management
- Better Bananas
- www.ruralaid.org.au
- Disaster Assistance Recovery Grants for primary production businesses – Guideline Interpretation Guide
- Application tips (pages 6-12)
Affiliate Members
The ABGC thanks its Affiliate Members for their ongoing support, which helps ensure ABGC can continue to represent the interests of banana growers and advocate for a better banana future.
Please note, member and advocacy related content is funded by the ABGC.