Submission: Bundaberg Integrated Transport Strategy
The Department of Transport and Main Roads and Bundaberg Regional Council are working together to identify future transport initiatives in the Bundaberg region and this submission was jointly presented by Bundaberg CANEGROWERS and Bundaberg Sugar on behalf of the Bundaberg Sugar Industry.
This submission focuses on:
- Enhancing the freight transport network vital for moving crops from farms to markets
- Addressing the impact of active transport networks between Bundaberg and Bargara on landowners
- Improving flood resilience
- Ensuring compliance with road rules for agricultural vehicles
The full submission can be read here.
Rural Plant Code of Practice 2024
Following public consultation, the Rural plant Code of Practice 2024 (the Code) commenced as an approved code of practice on 23 September 2024.
The purpose of the Code is to help reduce the risk of injuries and fatalities by providing guidance on working safely with rural plant. Updates to the Code are expected to have significant positive impacts on work health and safety outcomes on Queensland farms.
The Code will also support the agricultural industry to meet its work health and safety legislative obligations.
The Code will replace the Rural Plant Code of Practice 2004 and the Safe Design and Operation of Tractors Code of Practice 2005.
As tractors are rural plant and a common source of fatalities and serious injuries on farms, they are now comprehensively covered under the new Code.
Other key updates to the Code include:
- guidance on technology including the use of drones, quad bikes and side by side vehicles
- modernised content to remove outdated information (such as references to discontinued Australian Standards) and to include new diagrams and pictures.
- guidance on :
- how to consult, cooperate and coordinate activities with other duty holders.
- requirements for high risk work licences for certain plant.
The new Code reflects the latest in safety best practices tailored specifically for Queensland’s agricultural industry.
Read more about the Rural plant Code of Practice 2024 at www.worksafe.qld.gov.au.
Compliance with Reef Regulations
Growers are reminded that Compliance/Audit Checks from DES have recently occurred in the region.
The audits checked records from previous years as well as checking where growers had current Nitrogen and Phosphorus Budgets for their farm.
If any member receives notification about an upcoming audit please contact Matt Leighton for assistance in preparation for the audit, as well as being available on farm while the audit check takes place.
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
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
For mobile users, download the TalentLMS mobile app for iOS and Android phones ensures that training goes on, even on the go
Here are the simple instructions:
1. Download the LMS Mobile app here.
2. Enter the domain: sugarresearch to go to the Homepage.
3. Then login with your email and password to access our course on your mobile device.
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.
Insurance
CANEGROWERS 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.
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.