Aussies about to face banana shortage after supply routes were cut off by North Queensland floodwaters

Millions of Australians are about to face a banana shortage at supermarkets after North Queensland supply routes were cut off by floodwater. About 94 per cent of Australia’s banana production comes from Queensland, and almost all of the state’s bananas are grown in the state’s north. Several North Queensland roads have been closed, including a section of the main transport route along the Bruce Highway between Townsville and Mackay. Australian Banana Growers Council chair Leon Collins said flooding across Far North Queensland’s had a huge impact on the industry. Mr Collins said many growers had suffered damage to their farms, infrastructure, irrigation and crops from the inundation of floodwater. “With more rainfall expected over the weekend, it could take some time to fully understand the extent of the damage,” he said. “A major priority for industry right now is transport.” Mr Collins said there were currently no roads open to Far North Queensland, and inland alternate routes are also affected. “Cold rooms – for those who can access them - are at a capacity as growers wait for options to send their fruit south,” he said. The council chair said it was too early to estimate the total loss because it was still an ongoing weather event. “Access to transport will be key when it comes to supply,” he said. “As the situation is still unfolding, we can’t say exactly what the impact will be. However, it is fair to expect that there will be some flow on effects from transport issues in coming weeks,” he said. “It will vary from farm to farm. In some cases, it could take the better part of a year for growers to get back to full production.” A banana shortage is expected hit shelves in NSW and Victoria supermarkets from next week. Woolworths anticipates the shortage will affect different regions at different times and is working with growers to help them keep stock moving. “Due to the floods in Far North Queensland, key delivery routes for bananas have been impacted,” a Woolworths spokesman said. “For a short time, customers may notice less bananas nationally on the shelf. We are working hard to return supply to normal as soon as possible.” A Coles spokesman said the company had managed to get some bananas out and were continuing to work hard to find available routes for more banana deliveries. “We are working closely with our Queensland banana suppliers to get bananas to the rest of the country as supply routes begin to reopen,” he said. The price of bananas is also expected to soar, similar to what happened in 2011 following Cyclone Yasi when the cost of bananas grew to $12 per kilo after most crops were destroyed in the storm.