The group was made up of banana growers, industry representatives, banana plantation workers including backpackers, business owners, and members of the public who turned out to support the industry.

March participants began at Munro Martin Park and continued to deliver their message down to the esplanade.

Buses ran from the Tully and Innisfail Showgrounds to deliver those from the area wanting to take part.

In a scene more akin to the political streets of Sydney or Melbourne than the laid back tropical North, protesters waved placards, cardboard signs bearing messages and chanted slogans including "Ban imports, save Aussie jobs".

Many protesters such as Errol Wiles, Babinda (pictured) didn't mince words when designing their placards.

Donning a yellow cape-like banner emblazoned with the words "Bio-insecurity exports jobs, imports disease", Member for Kennedy Bob Katter said North Queensland had given notice.

"This is a campaign to oppose the importation of bananas from countries where people work for American plantations for $4.02 per day," Mr Katter said.

"As well as bananas, the pineapple and backpacker industries will go down.

"This will be one of the greatest man-made economic disasters in recent memory."

According to Biosecurity Australia (BA), the Philippines will be required to demonstrate that the risk management measures can be achieved under commercial conditions on an ongoing basis.

BA lists moko, black Sigatoka, freckle, mealybugs, armoured scales, spider mites and thrips as the seven diseases and pests of quarantine concern.

Despite this however, BA states: "The final Import Risk Analysis (IRA) report is a comprehensive, science-based analysis that reflects Australia's appropriate level of protection."

As part of the protest, an open generic letter to the Prime Minister has been circulated for concerned residents to sign.

Part of the letter states: "Prime Minister, we rely on you and the Government we have elected to make the tough decisions in these troubled economic times and to protect us from the threat of imported pests and diseases which could destroy the Australian banana industry and thus our local community."

* Click here to read and sign the letter.