A long road back for Bowen's cyclone affected growers

The Bowen Gumlu Growers Association is calling on the Australian community not to forget the region’s farmers who are recovering from the impacts of Tropical Cyclone Debbie. 

While graphic visions of the damage are out of the news, and produce is on the shelves, the regions growers still face a long road back to complete recovery.

“This would be one of the most severe incidents they’ve had to go through in some time,” Industry Development Officer, Cherry Emerick said.

“Unfortunately, with damaged land and infrastructure, and no doubt tough financial times ahead, the product might be on the shelves but don’t expect to see our growers returning to a 'normal' life for some time.”

The Bowen and Gumlu region grows most of Australia's vegetables during the winter, including tomatoes, capsicum, zucchinis, cucumbers, beans, pumpkin and corn, as well as mangoes. The Association has estimated the damage bill to be around AU$100mllion, with 20% damage to seasonal crops.

“The Gumlu area will be harvesting shortly, so there will be some supply,” she said. “Prices may be firm during this time but it’s important to support Queensland Growers to get them back on their feet at a time they need it most.”

The horticulture industry in the Bowen region is worth $450 million a year, employing 3,200 workers and it is expected that every property was affected in some way in last month’s category four cyclone. 

“When the cyclone first hit, it was all about jumping in to assess the damage and get things back on track,” Ms Emerick said. “The adrenalin was pumping. “

The BGGA says the ordeal has taken its toll on local farmers, but is confident they won’t be broken.

“A month on and the mental attrition is showing.” Ms Emerick said. “It’s not just the physical but the mental fatigue that our growers are experiencing. There is a resilience among them and it’s not the first time they have been hit by natural disaster.”

Growers have already received some support from all sections of the community, including free tickets from the local rugby league team, North Queensland Cowboys.

“It’s things like this that assist in lifting the community spirit,” Ms Emerick said.

That is on top of the timely response from insurance claim assessors, and several rounds of government assistance.

“Category C funding is also an emotional support as well as the financial,” she said. “No one will make profits out of this, but it sure goes a long way toward helping our growers through what is a devastating period.”