Central Queensland’s fresh produce industry is on high alert, with Tropical Cyclone Marcia expected to hit the region early tomorrow morning (Friday, 20 February).
According to the latest reports from the Australian Bureau of Meteorology, the cyclone has been intensifying over the past 24 hours and has now been upgraded to category five intensity,bringing with it a “very destructive core” with gusts of up to 295 km/h.
The cyclone is expected to make landfall between St Lawrence and Bundaberg. The area is a key production hub for bananas, field-grown tomatoes, avocados and mangoes.
Queensland’s peak horticultural body Growcom has already begun discussions with the state government to expedite a response plan for the region's affected growers.
“Unfortunately we all have quite a bit of experience with natural disasters now and hopefully that means we can collectively respond faster and more effectively,” said Rachel Mackenzie, Growcom’s chief advocate. “We have already sent out the damage assessment form to all our growers and the sooner we have these estimates back to government, the sooner we will be able to negotiate appropriate assistance.”
