3.+Banana+Bash

Cyclone Larry wiped out a majority of Queenslands banana industry causing farmers years of devastation. It has been estimated that 90% of all banana crops in North Queensland were ruined by Cyclone Larry itself or the harsh weather it caused. Banana crops depleted and caused the price per kilo to rise to over $6(with a normal average of $1-2/kg). $300 million worth of crops was estimated to be lost due to Cylone Larry and up to 4,000 farmers lost their jobs. Prices not only rose in Queensland, but also in major cities around Australia especially Melbourne.

The loss of banana crops not only devasted communities around Australia, but it also effected the government with pressure from the Phillipines to allow bananas to be imported. Due to this pressure, the banana growers of Australia had to fight extrmeely hard to ensure that banans sold in Australia were of good quality and were disease and pest free. The Australia Banana Promotions Company also helped the farmers considerably by funding ads to romote Australian bananas. With help from organisations and the government, the banana industry of North Queensland has been able to recover and successfully continue their role in Australia's banana industry.

Banana crops **before** Cyclone Larry hit Queensland.

Banana crops **after** Cyclone Larry hit Queensland.