Welcome to Bundaberg CANEGROWERS
E-Petition
TO: The Honourable the Speaker and Members of the Legislative Assembly of Queensland
Queensland residents draws to the attention of the House that the sugar industry is the heart of the Mossman community and vital to the Shire's economy. Operating for over 100 years, the Mossman Mill generates $190 million in annual economic activity for the region. To grow the 2024 crop, farmers have invested $15 million and are under extreme financial and mental strain to recoup this investment.
Farmers now face the prospect of their crops being left in the paddock to rot. It is financially and practically impossible to make an effective agricultural transition - unless the current crop is harvested. The closure could be a catalyst for the destruction of the region’s economy - the demise of an agricultural industry, environment, employment and local business and services. Mossman has already witnessed the displacement of residents, as 80% of the skilled workers have now been terminated. The closure impacts over 500 jobs - increasing welfare dependency - unless the mill stays operational, and/or the current crop is harvested.
Your petitioners, therefore, request the House to do all in its power to keep the Mossman Mill operational and/or harvest the current crop for the 2024 season. The shire needs an agricultural industry and the farmers need time to collaboratively discuss a business model that ensures a local agricultural industry future, its profitability and sustainability, so the Mossman community can thrive.
We ask that you help support Mossman growers by signing the E-Petition at the link below.
The following link will take you to the page on the Qld Government website where you click on the sign petition button and follow the instructions: https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/Work-of-the-Assembly/Petitions/Petition-Details?id=4064
This E-Petition closes on 28/4/2024.
Fertiliser Bag Disposal
There is once again a way of disposing of the 1T bulk fertiliser bags. There is a scheme called the Big Bag Recovery program where only approved brands of bags can be dumped for free while the other brands have a $5 per bag disposal fee. Currently the only place where both types of fertiliser bags will be accepted is at the Qunaba Waste Disposal Site on Potters Road. Bags delivered at other sites are deemed general waste and a higher fee is charged.
The approved fertiliser bags include those from Incitec Pivot Limited, Nutrien Ag Solutions, Impact fertilisers, Tarra, GrowForce and Summit Fertilisers. The full list of approved bags can be found at www.bigbagrecovery.com.au/#brands.
Non approved brands such as Koch will incur the $5 per bag disposal fee.
To prepare for disposal the online disposal booking form needs to be completed with a date and time, preferably with 24 hours notice, the bags need to be stacked and folded with the fertiliser brand facing out, stack the bags onto the vehicle separating the approved and non approved bags. Once at the disposal site a declaration form needs to be completed with up to 300 bags accepted at one time.
If growers have more than 300 approved scheme bags they are able to organise for an on-farm collection by Gary Gillis of Beneficial Recycling who can be contacted by email gary.gillis@beneficialrecycling.com.au or phone on 0403 431 705.
Further information can be found on the Bundaberg Regional Council website www.bundaberg.qld.gov.au/waste-recycling/waste-recycling-programs/8.
SRA 6 EASY STEPS® ONLINE - NOW ON YOUR PHONE!Sugar cane growers can now access an online training course to help them manage nutrient applications on their farms. The Sugarcane Nutrient Management training program is now available online as well as on your mobile phone, making it easier for farmers to learn how to manage nutrient applications effectively.Open your account here: https://sugarresearch.talentlms.com/index
The online program’s development was funded through the Queensland Government’s Queensland Reef Water Quality Program and SRA.The online course offers a comprehensive training program that covers everything from soil testing to fertiliser application and management. It is designed to help sugarcane growers achieve the best possible yields and reduce nutrient losses. The course is structured in six easy-to-follow steps, with each step building on the previous one to provide a complete understanding of sugarcane nutrient management. Don't just take our word for it – here's what Bundaberg CANEGROWERS' Director, Michael Cavallaro, had to say about the course: "The Six Easy Steps Nutrient Management short online course is an excellent self-paced resource for sugarcane growers at all levels of knowledge. It provides a clear and concise guide on how to interpret soil tests and develop nitrogen and phosphorus budgets for their farms. The flexibility of the course means you can complete it in one sitting or break it up over time. Additionally, the course provides some valuable reference materials for growers. I strongly recommend this course to all sugarcane growers in the region." If you are interested in participating in a Six Easy Steps workshop, please contact the office on 4151 2555. |
INSURANCECANEGROWERS Insurance Scheme - owned by growers, working for growers, was commenced in 2012 to look after growers’ insurance needs. Wide Bay Authorised Representative Ray Goodwin has extensive experience in looking after the insurance needs of the rural sector and has assisted many growers to ensure that their insurance cover is tailored to their requirements. Ray provides a personalised on-farm service to growers, primarily servicing CGU’s Canepol insurance policies. He also has access to a broad range of other insurance products and alternative underwriters so that appropriate insurance cover can be obtained for all aspects of a clients businesses at the best price. To contact Ray to discuss your insurance needs call 4151 2555 or on mobile on 0418 891 783. |
Bundaberg CANEGROWERS Ltd
Our Mission is to provide representation, leadership and services and promote unity in the interest of growers.
Our Goals are to provide an effective and efficient service through a focus on growers' key concerns within a changing environment. To maximise grower and industry proceeds by marketing current and future sugar production through a structure that is transparent and accountable to the industry. To ensure that industry growth is managed and market driven within a sustainable sugar industry. To ensure environmentally and financially sustainable production through managing and coordinating inputs and resources.
Our Vision is to ensure a secure and profitable future for Bundaberg cane growers.