North Queensland was battered by 260 kilometre an hour winds; towns left devastated, homes destroyed, and paradise, in the form of once stunning holiday destinations, lost.

Yes they will recover – but it will take time.

So now comes the massive task of rebuilding.

It will take millions of dollars, a lot of sweat and way more than a few tears before things even get close to normal for these poor souls who bore the brunt of Debbie’s ferocity.

It might seem like a world away for us – but if there’s one thing we can be proud of as Australians – it’s our ability to support a mate.

We’ve all heard that one of the results of this stormy episode will be a rise in the price of our fruit and veg.

Because along with the physical infrastructure, livelihoods have also taken a hit.

Growing operations are facing a massive clean-up bill with whole crops decimated.

It will take years before some are back on their feet and earning a decent living once again.

You can’t help but feel for them. 

It’s tough enough being a farmer let alone when something like this comes along to destroy all your hard work.

So what can we do? Not be put off by a few extras cents at the checkout for one thing.

So our tomatoes, capsicums, avocados (and probably the list goes on) will cost a little more, maybe not straight away, but it’s a given. 

The cost of bananas shocked after the last cyclone hit growing regions, wiping out millions of dollars worth of produce in one fell swoop. 

Anyone familiar with supply and demand will be nodding their head right now.

Please don’t be put off by what you will be asked to pay.

If in some small way – without actually being there – we can help these people get back on their feet shouldn’t we.

If all it takes is a little loyalty and support, why would we think twice?

For the growers and residents of North Queensland – there’s a long road ahead.

For many of them, it’s nothing they haven’t seen before.

But we don’t need to prolong their angst by turning our backs, especially when it only costs us a few dollars more.