Could cause $1Bn in crop damage
Cyclone Debbie rages through north-east Australia
Debbie is currently passing by south of Bowen and is currently a category 3 cyclone but made landfall between Bowen and Airlie Beach in Queensland as a category four storm, whipping gusts of up to 263km/h (163 mph). The Bowen area, between Mackay and Townsville, produces most of Australia's winter vegetable crop, including capsicum, tomato, eggplant, pumpkin, cucumber, beans and corn.
It also supplies tropical fruits such as mango, rockmelon, pineapples and lychee. Bowen Gumlu Growers Association president Carl Walker said horticulture in the region turned over $450 million a year and employed 3,500 people. As for bananas however, the acting Chairperson, Ben Franklin of the Australian Banana Growers’ Council (ABGC) predicts minimal damage from Debbie stating: “With predictions that the cyclone will hit landfall along the Whitsunday coastline, the worst of the impact will be south of the more heavily banana focused growing regions,” Mr Franklin said.
“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."
Some farmers situated a safe distance from the brunt of the cyclone may see a silver lining, as it could bring some relief to farmers affected by drought. "Hopefully that will bring a bit of rain to the interior," Assoc Prof David King, director of the Centre for Disaster Studies in the state's James Cook University said.
Debbie is currently moving inland as a category three but could cause damage for hours yet. Thefull extent of Cyclone Debbie's devastation, which has a 50km-diameter eye wall, may not be known for some time, authorities said.
For more information:
Paula Doran
Mob: +64 0447 615 135
[email protected]
bbc.com, abc.net.au
