Tropical Cyclone Debbie has hit Australian shores just south of the country’s major banana growing areas in Northern Queensland.
The Australian Banana Growers’ Council (ABGC) chairperson Ben Franklin said the worst impact from the category 4 system will fall just south of key growing regions.
“So while the key growing regions in Northern Queensland will escape Cyclone Debbie’s wrath, we would urge caution over subsequent days, to all growers, given the unpredictable nature of a weather event such as this,” Franklin said.
“Our growers have lived through many cyclones and know too well the impact they have. They are also very well prepared in terms of what’s required in the build-up.
“We will certainly be hoping that those farmers around Mackay and Ayr come through the next 24 hours with minimal damage.”
