Chair’s Update

As I write this the Millaquin harvesting season has just ticked over 60% harvested, mill performance has been relatively good with an average of 47,223 tonnes per week processed. In saying that there is the ongoing northside / southside equity that is causing quite a fluctuation of bin allocations from day to day. CCS has been steadily increasing only being hampered by some minor rain events. With the season average Relative CCS sitting at 14.00 we have requested the Base CCS to be lifted to 13.30. This should take place during the week  ending 19 October.

QSL have informed us that the Harvest Pool Price is going to be adjusted down again. With this in mind, growers need to be aware that there could be reduced or negative pay looming due to being overpaid at current prices. We have been keeping a close watch of this situation and have been in regular contact with QSL staff. The Schedule included on page 2 will likely be updated next week and if you would like an updated copy, please contact the office.

Planting has been in full swing but is nearing being finished, with that the fertilising season is in full swing and we remind growers of the obligations of reef regulations to make sure they have their N & P  Budgets sorted as there is a high probability of being audited in the future. Matt has been kept extremely busy analysing soil tests and processing nutrient management plans and is available to assist members.

Sunwater have advised that there is the possibility of another out of allocation event next water year to lower Paradise Dam to undertake some preliminary works on water release infrastructure. If this occurs it will also affect next year’s water allocations. We participate in Paradise Dam Reference Group meetings and will keep growers informed as the rebuild project progresses.

There have been some wires crossed with DNR around groundwater meter validation, or lack of. If any grower receives a please explain demand letter from the Department, please act on it as there are some fairly hefty penalties. If you require assistance, please call the office.

Oreco and Collins Hay are in the district chasing trash. If you would like further information or contact details please call the office.

Following our requests we are pleased that Sunwater has agreed to continue the electricity cost pass through trial for the 2024/25 year confirming a return to customers of $15.50/ML. To date the outcomes of the trial saw the following overcollection from electricity allowances returned to Bundaberg Scheme Irrigators:

· 2020/2021 – $14.88/ML resulting in $1,913,400 returned by credits across the scheme.

· 2021/20222 – $13.26/ML resulting in $695,2000 returned by credits across the scheme.

· 2022/2023 – $12.29/ML resulting in $732,200 returned by credits across the scheme.

· 2023/2024 – $15.46 resulting in $1,310,925 returned by credits across the scheme.

· 2024/2025 – $15.50/ML resulting in $1,247,520 returned by credits across the scheme.

Bundaberg CANEGROWERS Limited and Bundaberg Sugar Services Limited AGMs will be held at The Young Aussie on Wednesday 22 October. Owen Menkens, Chairman of Qld CANEGROWERS will provide an update on current sugar industry matters following the AGMs.

Let’s hope the weather holds and we can get the season wrapped up in the quickest possible time. Current predictions of crop left have the finish date set around 14 December, weather permitting.

Mark Pressler

Chairman

To read the September edition click here.