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Dear
Growers
Earlier
today Canegrowers Herbert River held its Annual General Meeting.
Guests Michael Quirk and Elisa Westmore from Queensland
Canegrowers presented on the issues the sugar industry is facing
with unrealistic water quality targets and Canegrowers plan of
attack to combat these including addressing water quality in ways
that are proportionate to the environmental risk and economically
sustainable.
The
AGM was also Chairman Michael Pisano and Director Jeff
Cantamessa’s last AGM on the board. We would like to thank
Michael and Jeff for their contribution to the sugar industry and
in particular Canegrowers Herbert River.
On
behalf of the board and staff, I would like to extend a Happy
Easter to you and your family.
Frank
Scardamaglia
Manager
CANEGROWERS
Herbert River
Email: frank_scardamaglia@canegrowers.com.au
Phone: 0475 818 800
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Federal Election focus
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The
campaigning has begun and CANEGROWERS has some specific policies
and commitments it is seeking from the next Federal
Government. You can read about them here
www.canegrowers.com.au/page/advocacy/2022-federal-election
They
fall under the five key areas that CANEGROWERS has developed
along with other members of the National Farmers' Federation:
- Plan for Smarter Regional Growth - We
know the sugarcane industry can grow, that there are export
markets to expand into and opportunities for sugarcane to
power new, diversified businesses boosting employment in
regional communities.
- Partner for a Healthier Environment
- Sugarcane growers have a proven commitment to
environmental responsibility and sustainable production
systems. Growers have invested in projects to support
good water quality for the Great Barrier Reef and embraced
Smartcane BMP, the industry’s best practice verification program
which is recognised internationally as a standard for
sustainable sugar. The next step is to appropriately
measure and reward environmental performance.
- Connect Every Australian
- The sugarcane industry has a culture of innovation
and technology adoption – GPS, drones, digital mapping and
imaging are helping growers farm smarter. There is plenty of
scope to further unlock the benefits of technology and
connectivity for efficiency, productivity, profitability and
environmental benefits.
- Secure Australia’s Farm Workforce
- The ability of the sugarcane industry to grow into
the future to supply expanded export markets and new
processing and manufacturing opportunities will depend on
the availability of a farm workforce, the encouragement and
development of skills and professions within local
communities for the whole supply chain and, where necessary,
access to overseas recruitment programs.
- Give Farmers a Fair Go
- Sugarcane growers are the foundation of Australia’s
sugar industry, supporting $1.1 billion of economic activity
in Queensland alone each year while operating farm
businesses in a commercial environment subject to external
costs and pressures.
Under
each of these headings there is a detailed list which is on the
CANEGROWERS website
www.canegrowers.com.au/page/advocacy/2022-federal-election
If
you get a chance, raise some of the with candidates that want
your vote in your electorate.
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Sharing our sugar 'traceability' story
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CANEGROWERS has shared its work with
Smartcane BMP and blockchain technology at a National
Traceability Summit. Held over four days, the Summit involved
producers, exporters, researchers, government and industry
sharing experiences . Matt Kealley from CANEGROWERS participated
in a panel session and talked about showing the provenance and
sustainability of Queensland sugar to buyers.
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Polo shirts to order
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CANEGROWERS
polo shirts for men and women are now available to order along
with embroidered work shirts. The polos are charcoal with a green
trim and feature the CANEGROWERS logo. They are made from a
combed cotton/polyester CoolDry knit. You can see the full range
of member clothing here
https://canegrowersshirts.com/collections/all
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SRA Herbert Station Field Day
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The
SRA Herbert team are holding a field day on
Wednesday 4 May. There will be six presentations
from key researchers supported by a field tour and demonstration.
To
find out more click here
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Ingham electrical industry work health and safety
forum
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HCPSL
is working with the Queensland Government Department of
Agriculture & Fisheries to estimate the economic cost of
Navua sedge to the cane industry. The Herbert cane industry is
now seeing first hand the impact of Nauva sedge to sugarcane farming
land on the northern side of Ingham. The research team has
contacted HCPSL to seek assistance to undertake this survey and
we are jointly investigating management options for cane
production systems.
Please
take the time to complete the questionnaire here
and forward to olusegun.osunkoya@daf.qld.gov.au
who is undertaking the economic assessment.
If
you require assistance to complete the form please contact the
HCPSL office.
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Have your Say on the Future Management of
Council’s Coastal Reserves at Forrest Beach
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Whether you live there or just visit, if you
interested in how Council manages its coastal reserves and public
spaces, you can provide your views at the upcoming community
consultation session arranged to discuss the challenges and
potential solutions that will help shape the future of
Hinchinbrook’s coastal reserves network.
To ‘Have your Say’ on the future management
options of Forrest
Beach, Council invites all interested
Hinchinbrook residents to attend a community consultation session
from 6.00pm to 9.00pm on Thursday 28 April 2022 at the Forrest
Beach Hotel.
Please note attendance spaces at this session
are limited.
Register your interest and RSVP to Council’s
Natural Assets Team, Breanna Camp on 4776 4740 for catering and
seating requirements by no later than 4.00pm Friday 22 April
2022.
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