LETTER: Coles has already bypassed our big bananas

Key points

• Residents of Sawtell have expressed frustration with Coles' decision to stop purchasing bananas from local Coffs Coast farmers, despite a petition signed by over 35,000 locals. The move comes as the new highway is set to bypass The Big Banana, a popular tourist attraction.
• Locals have accused Coles of not caring about the welfare of 30 local farmers, and have threatened to take their business elsewhere.
• The company's responses to the petition have been described as mealy-mouthed and pro forma.