Chair’s Update

The crushing has been going for six (6) weeks with some stops and starts but in general it has been one of the better starts to the season. A total of 75,752 tonnes of cane was crushed in the preseason, including organic. Millaquin had some issues with No.1 Mill, but it was rectified before the core season started. CCS started quite low for preseason cane but with some extended cold weather we have seen the CCS rise quite sharply.

Harvesting conditions have been quite good up until this weekend with an approximate 20mm rain event across the district. Oreco have made their final payment for trash supplied last year albeit without the interest portion yet. Collins Hay are also in the district baling trash.

Matt has been kept busy with Reef Regulation audits with most of them going smoothly. Just a gentle reminder if you are planting cane make sure you obtain a soil test and N & P Budget to comply with these regulations as soil tests are something the auditors have been checking.

Some Directors met with Tyre Stewardship Australia to discuss  possible outcomes for used tyres including recycling. There will be a survey to ascertain what used tyres are out there in the near future.

We welcomed QSL representatives to the region on 5 June to discuss the upcoming season, cash flow forecaster accuracy, request the opportunity for flexible advances and receive a market update. Adding further enhancements to the QSL Direct app will have benefits for all growers who market through QSL.

Area B Groundwater users will receive some information shortly about  upcoming shed meetings. The shed meetings will be open to all Groundwater users and allow the opportunity to discuss upcoming changes for Area B license holders. The Department is looking to transition these licenses to allocations and is seeking feedback on zones and water trading rules.

The Queensland Competition Authority (QCA) have released their final determination on 2025-26 regulated retail electricity prices and electricity prices increases will apply from 1 July 2025.

Please contact the office on 4151 2555 to discuss reviewing tariffs to ensure growers are on the most cost-effective option for their situation. Further information is included on pages 8-9.n

Mark Pressler

Chairman

To read the June edition click here.