2 March 2018
Banana growers in north Queensland affected by Panama disease are encouraged to contact their bank to access a range of hardship measures on offer.
Australian Banking Association CEO Anna Bligh said banks understood the challenges facing growers in the region because of the new outbreak of the disease and were on hand to help.
“This is a challenging time for banana growers in north Queensland who are contending with the effects of the Panama disease or the threat of it,” Ms Bligh said.
“An outbreak, or threat of outbreak, can have a significant impact on income and cashflow, causing heavy financial strain on farmers.
“We strongly encourage farmers who are concerned about their financial situation to contact their bank as early as possible to access the many forms of assistance available.
“Banks understand that agriculture can be heavily impacted by weather and seasons therefore can be flexible where needed to help customers in need,” she said.
The type of assistance offered will depend on individual circumstances, but may include:
- A deferral of scheduled loan repayments,
- Waiving fees and charges,
- Interest free periods or no interest rate increases; and
- Debt consolidation to help make repayments more manageable.
Find out the contact details of your bank’s financial hardship team here.
Over the past few months Australia’s major banks have met with representatives from the Queensland Government and the banana industry about the effects of Panama disease.
ENDS
Contact: Rory Grant 0475 741 007
Latest news
E&OERadio InterviewABC Radio National Hour24 March 2026. Topics: Australia-EU free trade deal Fran Kelly (Host): Total two-way trade between Australia and the EU was worth nearly $110 billion in the last financial year, and this Free Trade Agreement is expected to be worth an extra 10 billion in the first year alone. But farmers are… Read more »
Leading Australian business, industry, investment and peak body organisations welcome the conclusion of the Australia–European Union Free Trade Agreement, the establishment of the Australia–EU Security and Defence Partnership, and the decision to fast-track negotiations for Australia’s association with Horizon Europe. These outcomes provide much-needed clarity and confidence at a time when businesses, investors, and researchers… Read more »
E&OE Radio Interview FiveAA Breakfast with David Penberthy and Will Goodings 17 March 2026. Topics: Tax paid by Australian banks; RBA Powers to regulate big tech David Penberthy (Host): Well, it’s a big amount of money, $16 billion that’s how much tax Australia’s biggest banks paid last year. And at the same time, organisations like Apple, Google and Meta, you think about the ease with which and the frequency with which we… Read more »