Thoughts with fire and flood victims 

The floods in North Queensland and the Victorian Bushfires have been devastating for all who all who have been at the mercy of nature in recent weeks.

The tragic loss of life in Victoria has shocked the nation and somewhat overshadowed the difficulties faced by flood victims in North Queensland.

With offers of assistance pouring in, Brismark and Brisbane Markets Limited have made sizeable contributions to each of the Victorian Bushfire Appeal and the Premiers Disaster Relief Appeal for the flood victims.

There have also been many offers by wholesalers and transporters in the Brisbane Markets wanting to send fresh produce and other household goods to the disaster victims, however, this has been put on hold for now as both the Red Cross and the Salvation Army have asked that goods and foodstuffs not be sent due to the logistical problems in the affected regions.

With communities wiped out in Victoria and almost two-thirds of Queensland's land mass affected by flooding, the thousands of homeless most need financial help to rebuild the communities hardest hit.

And Australia has risen to the challenge with millions of dollars raised in the past week.

Amongst the terrifying scenes that have been on our televisions night after night, there have been outstanding acts of heroism and heartbreaking stories of the victims.

At the same time as bushfires raged through Victoria, Tully and Ingham were hit hard by North Queensland's worst flooding in more than 30 years as a result of Cyclone Ellie.

Banana plantations that were only just recovering from Cyclone Larry in 2006 have once again been damaged by the water and while it is too early to calculate the losses, many expect that it will be in the millions of dollars.

Bananas are just one of the many crops that have been damaged or unable to be transported south due to the temporary closure of the Bruce Highway by floodwaters.

There are many other crops that will be affected and consumers will see fluctuations in prices over the coming weeks.

The full impact of the heatwave, fires and floods is not yet known but it is expected that supplies for fresh fruits and vegetables from the affected areas will vary over coming months Our thoughts are with all who have lost so much.