Monthly Newsletters

Chair's Update

How good has the weather been albeit fairly variable across the district with some good sunlight and a continuation of the hot humid weather, the crop will keep growing.

The crop is looking magnificent with ratoon cane looking like plant cane. Estimates should have arrived in your inbox or letterbox, please fill them out as accurately as you can and return them promptly. With the increased area to harvest and likely crop size, the sooner we can get a handle on it the better.

Both Allan Dingle and myself have been selected for the Fox Resources Regional Reference Group with regard to the MDL3040 application. We are both opposed to this and any similar mining application which could jeopardise agricultural land, ground water and irrigation scheme infrastructure, there is just too much at stake.

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) is gaining additional powers in Queensland from 20 April 2024. These new powers mean that NHVR will not only have the ability to issue permits for travel, they will also have the power of enforcement.

Many of the enforcement officers of NHVR will be former Transport and Main Roads enforcement officers who have switched agencies. One area of enforcement that will have an impact on cane growers, harvesting contractors, and mill transport operations is the increased enforcement of covered loads and the issue of spilt billets and trash.

CANEGROWERS is in discussion with NHVR as to how best manage this issue given that we are less than two (2) months from the beginning of the pre season crush and the difficulty of covering haulouts, multilifts and mill bins. We will keep you informed of the latest information as it comes to hand.

QSL held three (3) shed meetings on 8 March with updates on the new payment regime that will take place from the beginning of the 2024 season, they also gave some insight as to what the markets might do into the future.

QSL are running a series of workshops in April for growers to learn more about the features of QSL Direct. For further information see page 2 or contact Glenn Harris on 0409 601 349.

I would like to congratulate the winners of the various awards which were presented on 8 March, the night was a success once again. I would also like to thank the Committee and staff for their efforts. Further details can be found on pages 4 and 5.

At the time of writing almost all votes cast in the Local Council Elections have been counted and we welcome Helen Blackburn to the role of Bundaberg Regional Council Mayor. We look forward to working with Helen and fellow Councillors over the next 4 years.

Land valuations have been released resulting in an average increase of 63.8% on primary production land in the Bundaberg region. If you would like assistance submitting an objection to your latest valuation, please contact the office on 4151 2555.

Monthly Newsletters

Chair's Update

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