IN a boost for cyclone-ravaged north Queensland, the 11th Australian Mango Conference will go ahead in Bowen next week.
Event organisers have stuck to their plan to host the event in the horticultural town which was scheduled long before Topical Cyclone Debbie crossed the coast earlier this month.
The Australian Mango Industry Association (AMIA) confirmed the conference would go ahead from Tuesday, May 2 to Friday May 5.
The AMIA has been able to reach all conference suppliers and reported that the damage the region received will not hinder Bowen hosting the conference.
Local mango growers, despite suffering from the impact of TC Debbie are also reportedly keen for the conference to go ahead.
Local AMIA director, Ben Martin, himself impacted by TC Debbie, said he was determined for the conference to go ahead.
“Despite the damage caused, we believe the conference will be a great opportunity to showcase the Bowen mango industry as well as bringing much needed support to the local community,” Mr Martin said.
AMIA chief executive officer, Robert Gray, the mango industry was committed to delivering an outstanding conference for all of its delegates.
He extended the industry's gratitude to the local businesses involved who are helping deliver the event.
Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Economic Development, Bill Byrne, said the conference being confirmed for Bowen was a show of confidence in the resilience of the regions’ mango producers.
“Severe Tropical Cyclone Debbie had a large impact on the local mango industry, but I know those producers are a resilient group and they will bounce back stronger than ever,” Mr Byrne said.
“It will also be an opportunity for the Australian industry to lend their support to their fellow producers as well as an opportunity for an economic boost to the local Bowen community.”
Home to the Kensington Pride (Bowen) mango and birthplace of the R2E2, this is the first time the conference will be held in Bowen.
