Chair’s Update
What a month we have had! From floods to wars, one would have trouble imagining what might happen next. Early March saw the remnants of a slow moving tropical low-pressure system deliver a huge amount of rain in the catchment of the Burnett, causing a flood of a magnitude similar to the 2010 flood level with flows of approximately 907,000ML/day overtopping Paradise Dam by 7 meters, at this stage Paradise was 4 times it’s capacity.
Briefings with Sunwater have conveyed some minor damage at the Paradise Dam site with roads, railings and culverts being eroded. Some major siltation occurred at Don Beattie and Woongarra Pump Stations, and I must commend Sunwater on the speedy rehabilitation of these areas to get water deliveries reinstated as soon as possible. The rainfall event was desperately needed but the rain intensity caused some serious damage and erosion across the district. QRIDA announced Exceptional Disaster Assistance Recovery Grants following the floods with grants of up to $75,000 available to eligible primary producers. More information can be found on page 4 or please contact the office on 4151 2555 for assistance.
Harvesting groups should be all but sorted with a 21 April deadline for group changes. Estimate letters have been sent to growers and are due now.
I don’t need to say too much about the Iran conflict or the price of fuel but oh my, has it had an impact on people’s planning for the coming harvest and growing season. I think the general consensus is business as usual and see what evolves. There are going to be major disruptions for both fuel and fertiliser even if the maritime traffic frees up. Let’s hope we see some extraordinary leadership from government to help us ride this out.
The last couple of weeks has seen the sugar price rally somewhat which creates another dilemma, how much sugar are we going to be able to make if the coming harvest season is disrupted too much … pricer beware!
Autumn planting is coming to a close with only a few more deliveries of one-eye setts to be made, the large rain event in the middle of the planting window created some serious delays and hopefully not too many forced re-plantings.
Glenn Harris is no longer working for QSL and has taken up the role of Cane Supply Manager for Bundaberg Sugar. I don’t envy his job at all although I think he is quite capable of this position and we wish him well.
Menn Mutton is going to be the new point of contact for QSL Southern Region growers. He comes from within QSL Brisbane office and is very well across pricing and contractual arrangements. Menn can be contacted on 0437 498 148 or via email at mennard.mutton@qsl.com.au.
18 young growers from Herbert River and the Burdekin recently visited the region supported by CANEGROWERS Herbert River, CANEGROWERS Burdekin and QCGO grower Directors and their respective district managers. The young growers participated in a local farm tour to view a multi-cropping enterprise followed by a Q&A session with local staff and Directors.
The awards night was held on Friday 27 March at The Waves with another great turn out and I would like to congratulate all our award winners on their achievements for the 2025 Season. A big thank you also to the many businesses who sponsor the event. Further details can be found on page 6.
Sugar Services will be holding a Harvest Breakfast on 30 April at The Waves, members of Sugar Services will receive an invite in the mail shortly and I encourage you all to attend.
Mark Pressler
Chairman
To read the April edition click here.