Australia's banana supply is under threat as severe floods in north Queensland cut off key transportation routes. Major supermarkets warn of potential shortages as growers struggle to evacuate their produce.
Australia faces a looming banana shortage as widespread floods in north Queensland disrupt supply chains. Over 90% of Australia's banana production originates from this region, and the current floods have significantly impacted transportation routes. The crucial Bruce Highway, a primary freight artery, has been closed in several locations, hindering the movement of bananas from farms to distribution centers.
Major supermarket chains like Woolworths and Coles have acknowledged the potential for shortages, with Woolworths predicting a decline in banana availability as early as next week. Both retailers are actively seeking alternative delivery routes to alleviate the situation. Australian Banana Growers' Chair Leon Collins expressed concerns about the heavy rainfall moving westward from the coastal region, further obstructing alternative supply pathways. He highlighted the challenges faced by growers in the north, particularly in evacuating their produce from overflowing cold storage facilities due to the lack of transportation. The Bureau of Meteorology anticipates the return of monsoonal rains by the weekend, potentially reaching farther inland and exacerbating the disruption to supply routes. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has temporarily stepped away from parliament to visit affected communities, announcing an $8 million community relief fund for eight impacted councils. He also confirmed the activation of disaster recovery payments. The floods have already caused significant damage, with two fatalities and hundreds of evacuations reported. The Prime Minister emphasized the need for rebuilding and adapting to the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events
BANANAS AUSTRALIA FLOODS QUEENSLAND SUPPLY CHAINS SHORTAGE SUPERMARKETS CLIMATE CHANGE AGRICULTURE DISASTER RELIEF
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