Exciting news for the Clermont community as a permanent doctor will begin practicing at the Clermont Multi-Purpose Health Service (MPHS). This significant development is a welcomed relief for the locals and has garnered enthusiastic support from community advocate group Clermont4Doctors.

Mackay HHS Executive Director of Public Health and Rural Services Terry Johnson said both organisations had been working hard to attract more permanent doctors to the area.

“We are thrilled to announce that Dr Tim Lane has been appointed to the position of Senior Medical Officer (SMO) at Clermont and he has made a permanent move to town with his family,” Ms Johnson said.

“Dr Lane has previous experience in the Northern Territory and in Queensland in both remote and regional facilities.

“He has worked in a number of rural and regional areas including Bundaberg and Gin Gin.

“Dr Lane is also interested in general practice and primary health care, and we will be working with Tim to see how we can support his interest in this.”

Dr Lane commenced at Clermont MPHS on Monday, 6th November.

The Clermont MPHS will continue to be served by visiting locums to support Dr Lane and share the workload at the facility while we undertake further medical recruitment.

Clermont4Doctors Project Worker Janelle Otto said it was a very good outcome for the Clermont community.

“This is a great step forward in improving the community’s access to doctors so they can get the care they need, when they need it,” Ms Otto said.

“Clermont4Doctors will continue to support further medical recruitment and any doctors interested in finding out more about our community are invited to contact us.”

Dr Lane is excited about the move to our region.

“I am committed to rural health, and I look forward to giving my time and energy to supporting the Clermont community,” Dr Lane said.

‍

Dr Tim Lane, left, has taken up residence in Clermont with his family (partner Freddy and baby son Dominic)

This Saturday on 11th November marks Remembrance Day. Every year at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, millions of people around the world pause in silence to remember the sacrifices made, and to honour armed forces members who have died in the line of duty.

The Mackay Tiger Moth Museum will be hosting a flyover Jubilee Park Cenotaph in Mackay, during the RSL service with Tiger Moth planes (VH-CYA and VH-IVN) in action, both having served in the Second World War with one in active service as a spotter reconnaissance in New Guinea.

The RSL Sub Branches across Queensland invites veterans and their families to join in remembering fallen service personnel.

Read our guide to discover the services in Mackay and surrounds, to allow you to pay your respects on this upcoming Remembrance Day. All Remembrance Day ceremonies will include the laying of wreaths, the playing of the Last Post, and the observance of a minute's silence at 11am.  

‍

Mackay

When:

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Where:

Cenotaph at Jubilee Park, Alfred Street

Contact

Name: Nichole Hood

Phone: 0499567297

Email: info@mackay.rslqld.net.au

Northern Beaches

When:

10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Where:

Opposite Playground at Bucasia Esplanade, Seaview Park

Contact

Name: Ruth Wickham

Phone: 0401416943

Email: ruth.wickham@farleigh.rslqld.net.au

Walkerston

When:

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Location:

Anzac Park on Bridge St

Contact

Name: Gail Clark

Phone: 0407127256

Email: gail.clark@walkerston.rslqld.net.au

Seaforth

When:

10:45 AM - 11:30 AM

Location:

Cenotaph at Palm Avenue

Contact

Name: Ron Cameron

Phone: 0417933348

Email: ronaldcam@bigpond.com

Marian

When:

10:45 AM - 11:30 AM

Location:

Marian Community Wall Memorial Hall, 17 Daly Street

Contact

Name: Marian Sub Branch

Phone: 0458543486

Email: robert.murry@marian.rslqld.net.au

Mirani

When:

10:45 AM - 11:15 AM

Location:

Mirani Cenotaph at Railway Park Mirani, Mackay Eungella Road

Contact

Name: Jan Lindbergs

Phone: 0488783214

Email: jan.lindbergs@mirani.rslqld.net.au

Calen

When:

10:45 AM - 1:00 PM

Location:

42 McIntyre St

Contact

Name: Barbara Farren-Price

Phone: 0436602496

Email: barb.farren-price@sthelens.rslqld.net.au

‍

Other ways to be involved on Remembrance Day include donating to the Poppy Appeal, wearing a poppy of remembrance and volunteering.

On Remembrance Day or any time of year, volunteering at your local RSL Sub Branch is a great way to support veterans and their families.

A significant accommodation precinct is being proposed at Mackay Airport, with concept developments underway in partnership with Greater Whitsunday Communities and Regional Development Australia.

The concept was introduced during a strategic meeting at the Housing Summit in August, hosted by Greater Whitsunday Communities and Regional Development Australia to identify the issues faced in our region and allow key stakeholders to identify solutions.

Innovation through collaboration was a key focus of the Housing Summit, identifying Mackay Airport as a spearhead for future opportunities. A prominent solution was the Housing Action Plan, with the Mackay Workforce Accommodation Precinct introduced to hopefully create more affordable housing.

Key local stakeholders say the development would help to relieve the critical strain on workforce accommodation options in the region, which is impacting employers, their operations and overall economic viability.

Executive Officer of Greater Whitsundays Communities, Carol Norris stated, “What we’ve discovered in our collaboration, is that there is a real gap in social infrastructure, and that starts with housing.

“We need to improve the liveability of our region.”

Mackay Airport Head of Operations Adrian Miles said, “As a crucial gateway to the Mackay region, Mackay Airport is committed to supporting economic growth and enhancing the overall experience for workers and residents alike.

“To this end, we are exploring the overall demand for development of a permanent workers accommodation precinct on a designated portion of airport land.

“Concepts have been done, and we want to work with interested parties to develop those further. We want to make sure we get it right so we can deliver exactly what is needed for the community’s workforce.

“Mackay’s workforce industries are suffering from the lack of accommodation within Mackay. When they do employ people to come to the region, as we know there is very low rental occupancy rates as well as permanent housing available.

“This would offer that permanent solution for workers coming to Mackay. I believe this could be the catalyst to kick it off and look at those permanent, long-term housing solutions in Mackay.”

The accommodation precinct would be strategically located within the airport precinct, offering convenient access to the terminal and industrial areas, including flexible accommodation options with a mix of studio, one bed and two bedroom units.

Chief Executive Officer of Regional Development Australia, Jeff Stewart-Harris stated, “The housing situation in [the] region is a common problem across Australia. What we need to be able to do to grow as a region, is to get the workforce accommodated.

“What we know is that this region has an economic output of over $22 billion, and that’s being strained by housing.

“We know that there are more than 20,000 non-resident workers in the region throughout the year, many of those who would like to be part of the community who can’t be because of this.

“What’s being proposed by Mackay Airport is to test the market to see who would be interested in being able to solve their piece of the puzzle in part of a bigger picture.

“Interest is there, it’s about finding ways to create new supply,” he said.

Mackay Airport invites qualified and interested parties, companies and organisations to come forward to submit expressions of interest and work with us on this concept and lease the purpose-built accommodation.

Interested groups are being invited to submit an EOI by the end of November.

‍

Mackay Airport Head of Operations Adrian Miles, Chief Executive Officer of Regional Development Australia, Jeff Stewart-Harris and Executive Officer of Greater Whitsundays Communities, Carol Norris discuss a new accommodation precinct

Photo credit: Sinead Porter

Mockup for the Mackay Airport Village design concept

Mockup for the Mackay Airport Village communal space design concept

Photos supplied

Last month, the Endeavour Foundation hosted an empowering event for people in the community living with disability, the Business Solutions Employment Showcase. This occasion provided a unique window into the world of fulfilling work opportunities for individuals living with disabilities.

During the event, attendees had the chance to see firsthand the dedication and expertise that the foundation's team brings to various work areas. From assembly work to document destruction and even painting of stakes and pegs, it was evident that this organisation provides valuable support and fosters an inclusive workplace environment.

The Rotary Club of Mackay played a pivotal role in the event by presenting supported employees with "Pride in Workmanship Awards." Ten supported employees were honoured with Rotary medallions, recognising their valuable contributions to the team, while staff received well-deserved Valued Employee certificates.

The event also received support from organisations like Blackwoods, who share a commitment to assisting businesses in the community. Blackwoods has a strong history of supporting local businesses and has dedicated itself to helping Endeavour Foundation to offer opportunities for people with disabilities to work, develop skills, earn an income, pursue their interests, and engage with the community.

Supported Employment embodies a beautiful symbiosis, offering tailored business solutions to local businesses while creating life-changing opportunities for people with disabilities.

‍

Back row (L-R): Linda Tuckerman – Leadership Award, Frank Gilbert (President of the Mackay Rotary Club), Jason Roseblatt – Team Player Award, Rommaney McAullay, Robert Pethebridge – Attendance and Punctuality Award, Rosemary Campbell – Employee Wellness Advocate Award, TJ Straw – Quality Assurance Award

Front Row (L-R): Peter – Safety Champion Award, Blake Heinrich – Customer Service Excellence Award, Jordan – Mentorship Award, Brendan Blomfield – Problem Solver Award

Staff valued employee certificates

Representatives from Blackwoods with two supported employees

Everyone enjoyed socialising around the barbeque

Police Charge Man Over Stolen Rural Fire Vehicles

Detectives have charged a man after he allegedly stole two rural fire trucks in separate incidents near Mackay over the past week.  

It will be alleged on October 31, the man broke into the Sarina Marlborough Rural Fire Brigade on Tara Creek Road and stole a Nissan Patrol rural fire vehicle and other equipment.

It will be further alleged on November 4, the same man broke into the Victoria Plains Rural Fire Brigade on Victoria Plains Road and stole an Isuzu NPS 3007 fire truck.

After information was received from members of the public, police located the Nissan Patrol in bushland at Sarina Beach Road near Campwin Beach Road on November 4.

On Sunday, November 5, police executed a search warrant at Keilbach Court in Sarina where they seized emergency lights from the Isuzu truck, hidden in the house.

Police subsequently attended an unoccupied property at Marlborough Sarina Road at Sarina Range and located the Isuzu covered by a tarpaulin.  It will be alleged the dashboard and parts of the truck had been extensively damaged and the body of the vehicle painted with white house paint.  

A 22-year-old Ilbilbie man has been charged with two counts each of break and enter premises, stealing of vehicle, unlawful use of motor vehicle, wilful damage and driving whilst licence suspended.  He has also been charged with one count each of evade police, possession of tainted property and possession of explosive (ammunition).

Wounding and assault charges Following Juliet Street Stabbing

Police arrested a 27-year-old man following an alleged grievous bodily harm incident in Mackay on November 4.

It will be alleged around 3pm, five people who are known to each other became involved in an altercation along Juliet Street. It was reported that the man allegedly stabbed three people.

A 23-year-old Mackay man and a 21-year-old Mackay man sustained non-life threatening wounds and a 36-year-old Mackay woman sustained a minor facial injury as a result of the incident.

A 28-year-old Mackay man was not physically injured.

Police attended and located a 27-year-old Bucasia man nearby.

He has been charged with one count of wounding, three counts of assault occasioning bodily harm and one count of common assault.

Truck Driver In Critical Condition

The Forensic Crash Unit is investigating a serious traffic crash that occurred in St. Lawrence on November 7.

Initial information indicates a truck has left the Bruce Highway and crashed with a tree near Wumalgi Road around 7am.

The driver and sole occupant of the vehicle, a 55-year-old Rural View man, was flown to Rockhampton Hospital in a critical condition.

The Bruce Highway was closed in both directions for a period of time while investigations were ongoing.

Anyone with information about the crash, or who has dashcam vision, is urged to contact police.

Fatal Vehicle Accident Near Habana

One person has died following a single vehicle crash near Habana on November 3.

Initial information indicates a Mitsubishi Triton was travelling along Mackay - Habana Road around 10:45am when it left the road.

The driver of the vehicle, an 84-year-old Andergrove man died at the scene.

Forensic Crash Unit investigations are continuing.

Passenger Of Ute Dies In Accident Near Sarina

Forensic Crash Unit officers are investigating after a man died in a single vehicle roll over north of Sarina on 1st November.

Initial investigations indicate at 3.25pm a 4WD utility was headed south on the Bruce Highway just past Sarina Homebush Road when the vehicle has left the road and rolled several times.

A male passenger died at the scene.

The male driver was transported to Mackay Base Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Investigations are continuing.

Appeal For Witnesses In Andergrove Road Rage Incident

Police are appealing for witnesses after a 45-year-old Sarina man was allegedly assaulted during a road rage incident in Andergrove on 6th September.

Emergency services were called to a shopping centre carpark along Campbell Street at approximately 5pm following reports of an altercation involving two drivers.

Upon arrival, a 45-year-old man was located on the ground next to his white Holden Commodore sedan with serious injuries.

He was transported to Mackay Base Hospital for treatment.

It will be alleged the man was pulled from his vehicle and struck multiple times by a 42-year-old Andergrove man who then left the scene in a black Nissan Dualis.

It will be further alleged prior to the assault, an altercation occurred between the occupants of the two vehicles while they were travelling along Sams Road and Glenpark Street.

On September 11, police arrested the 42-year-old Andergrove man.

He has been charged with one count of assault occasioning bodily harm and is due to reappear at Mackay Magistrates Court on January 24.

Mackay detectives are appealing to witnesses, particularly anyone with relevant vision of the two vehicles at the time of the alleged incident, to come forward.

Following the informational video released by the State Emergency Services – Mackay Regional Unit, an emergency kit is necessary during disaster season.

Fires, flooding or cyclones could force you out of your home, or keep you stuck there for an extended period of time.

Your kit should include these basics, but you can think about what items your family might use if you had to stay at home for up to three days.

• Food items include bottled water and non-perishable canned food (And don’t forget a can opener!)

• Non-powered items such as a torch, portable phone charger and cable and portable radio are important if there is a power outage, as well as spare batteries.

A portable radio is vital to listen in to emergency broadcasting.

• Important documents could include emergency contact numbers, passports and insurance documents.

• A first aid kit and medications are vital in an emergency, you can also pack hygiene supplies such as a toothbrush, soap and toilet paper.

• If you have a pet, don’t forget! They need their own supplies too, such as food and water, bowls, a leash and a lightweight crate for transportation.

• Disasters can be scary, but they can sometimes be boring too. Pack a few entertaining items such as a good book, playing cards or board games.

Water supplies could stop working. You can’t get to the shops or maybe you can, but the shelves are bare when you get there. Avoid being ill-prepared by stocking up on essentials before a disaster strikes.

You can also include more items, particularly if you live in a remote area. Think about your situation and pack a kit that is right for you.

Keep your kit in a strong waterproof storage container and store it in a safe place in your home that you can get to easily in the event of an emergency.

You can find more information about household emergency kits at getready.qld.gov.au/check-out-what-you-need

Mackay Regional Council have geared up their disaster preparedness, hosting their Disaster Ready Saturday event last weekend at Caneland Shopping Centre.

Seeing over 1200 people stop by the event and collect new and up-to-date disaster preparedness material, attendees were also able to check in with Australian Red Cross, Ergon Energy, Sunwater, SES and the Mackay Hospital and Health Service.

Visitors received important information regarding the Council’s Emergency Action Guide booklet.

Storm Season for the Mackay region is November to April, and it is best to construct a Household Evacuation Plan, including know where to go, know how to go, know where to go, know what to take, and know your neighbours, as well as be subscribed to the Emergency Dashboard.

Sarina Neighbourhood Centre and Aurizon are putting the call out to the community to help make a better Christmas for those doing it tough.

Sarina residents are asked to donate Christmas gifts, holiday season items and nonperishable hamper items to help bring joy and comfort to those in need during this festive time.

Deputy Mayor Karen May said unfortunately Christmas wasn’t a festive time of year for everyone in our community.

“While most of us look forward to exchanging gifts, feasting and relaxing; for some people Christmas is a really hard and stressful time,” Cr May said.

“Christmas drives, like this one, make such a difference – they mean presents to unwrap and food in the pantry for people who would otherwise really struggle,” she said.

“What we are hoping is that people will just put one extra item in their trolleys this year – an extra toy, another Christmas pudding or a second box of crackers.

“Drop them at the Sarina Neighbourhood Centre and we will ensure they go to a family who needs a hand up this festive season.

“Anything you can give is appreciated.”

The Sarina Neighbourhood Centre Christmas appeal runs until Friday, December 8.

Donations are welcome during opening hours (9am to 3pm, Monday to Friday).

For more information, contact the team on 4961 9290.

You couldn’t wipe the smiles off the faces of Sarina State High School (SSHS) students Sophie Steindl and Jacob Adams after they received a Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank Senior Schooling Scholarship last week.

Presented at the annual SSHS Awards Presentation Night, Community Bank Sarina sponsored two $2000 scholarships which provide funding for excursions, textbooks, and technology and also encourages students’ dedication to both their education and community involvement.

Community Bank Sarina has been partnering with SSHS since 2017 to provide scholarships and a variety of annual awards for students.

Community Bank Sarina Board Deputy Chair Maree Franettovich said the purpose of this community investment was to support young people and allow them to focus on their talents.

“Scholarships can be the bridge to a world of opportunities for students, they open doors and give every student a fair shot at success,” Ms Franettovich said.

“Whilst there were many strong applications, we are very pleased to have named Sophie and Jacob as the 2024 SSHS Senior Schooling Scholarship recipients.”

Scholarship recipient Jacob thanked Community Bank Sarina for giving back to the community and said this Scholarship had further fuelled his passion to chase his dreams.

“After school I hope to study engineering at university and pursue a sporting career in either NRL or sprinting. I’d like to aim to be in the Olympics one day,” he said.

“This Scholarship will help get my name out in the community and I look forward to representing Sarina and the Bank at events as well.”

Scholarship recipient Sophie was grateful to Community Bank Sarina for the opportunity and said she would utilise the scholarship to pursue a career in the medical field after Grade 12.

“This scholarship will provide the funding for me to complete further education in the health sector,” she said.

“I think it’s great that these scholarships provide kids like me with educational opportunities they might not have thought was available.”

Community Bank Sarina also offer CQUniversity scholarships annually and applications opened on 1st November. For more information see the Community Bank Sarina Facebook page or contact executive@sarinacommunity.com.au.

‍

Maree Franettovich, Sophie Steindl, Jacob Adams, Charmaine Matsen and Ann Fordyce

Consolidating your savings

Ah, savings. We all want more. Just when you think you might be getting somewhere, that’s often when bills and repayments, rent and other expenses are ready to bring you back to reality. So, how can you start ascending the savings summit and, most importantly, continue climbing?

Customise

Saving means different things to different people. Because – and this shouldn’t come as a shock – we’re all different.

Firstly, you need to have a glance at what you’re spending your money on. A quick look over your account statements should bring to light some of your money habits. It might remind you that you’re an absolute bargain hunter. It could also shine a spotlight on some less than necessary buys too. Whoops!

But that’s okay. Figure out your cash flow first, so you can get an idea of where your money’s going.

Our app gives you a simple and visual look at your account, offering you a straightforward view of your comings and goings.

Minimise

Once you know how your pay cheque is being spent, you can start setting aside what’s essential to you and what isn’t. If your bank statements are suggesting that some changes are in order, that’s achievable!

It might be helpful to put your expenses into categories. Highlighting your different expenses will demonstrate what should stay the same, what you can cut back on, and maybe even what you can eliminate all together.

Keep in mind that some expenses will change while others will be consistent. But even the consistent expenses can be reduced such as phone bills, utilities and groceries to name a few. So, being flexible and adaptable could go a long way, especially if you’re able to lessen some of the bigger costs like insurance and housing.

Organise

Try and identify a few saving targets. And again, this should be tailored to you. No one knows what you’re after better than you. And by simply setting some goals for your savings, it’ll help inspire some change in your spending habits.

Set both short and long-term goals. Short-term targets might be within one to five years away. They might include things like appliances, technology or furniture. But could be a little bigger in the form of travel or reducing debt.

Short-term goals will also help train your goal setting habits and reward you when you fulfil what you set out to achieve. Long-term goals might be reserved for larger targets like cars, a house deposit or investments.

Once you get going, you might realise that the saving ascent isn’t as steep as you first thought. If you want more personalised help and advice on how to increase your savings, visit the Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Branch team at 37 Broad Street, Sarina or call us on 4943 2634.

Look out Cockroaches, Sarina’s Buffy the Cane Toad is on the march.

More specifically Sarina’s tribute to one of Australia’s greatest ecological disasters, the dreaded cane toad, is the subject of a post card prepared by Sarina Arts and Crafts volunteer Owen Bromley.

A range of cards by Owen and other volunteers are available at the centre, and Blues supporters could even find them featuring Buffy turning up in their letterboxes if visitors from NSW are game enough to buy them.

Owen has made ‘countless’ cards depicting Sarina scenes in nearly 30 years of supporting the centre, and as he’s a big supporter of Queensland State of Origin, Buffy was a subject he’s wanted to do for some time.

Buffy is enough to scare any Cockroach supporter, as the Blues were known in the early days of Origin clashes with the Queensland Cane Toads, standing more than a metre tall and guarding the northern gateway to Sarina in Broad St.

He was the brainchild of a former Sarina Shire councillor the late Jean Coleman, who with her husband Bevan ran the Tramway Motel on Sarina’s northern outskirts.

Friends who knew them said motel guests were always amazed by the size and number of cane toads sitting around the street lights so Bevan and Jean decided to make up a giant cardboard toad which featured on floats in Sarina’s annual Mardi Gras and Mackay’s Tourist Festival parades in the 70s and 80s.

Buffy won the Mardi Gras award for best float in 1986 and was then donated to Sarina Shire which made a fiberglass replica of it as a tourism drawcard – and something to scare Blues supporters.

A final word on Buffy from a plaque at his statue: “Since his construction Buffy has seen glory, shame, neglect, resurrection and finally recognition as a tourism attraction.”

‍

Maroons supporter Owen Bromley with Sarina’s Buffy the Cane Toad, which features on post cards made by Owen and available at the Sarina Arts and Crafts Centre. Photos: Charlie Payne

Post cards by Owen Bromley

Buffy the Cane Toad is an avid supporter of Sarina’s role in Queensland’s proud State of Origin heritage.

No fewer than seven players originating from Sarina have represented Queensland in Origin and national rugby league teams and the latest three were recognized in a plaque unveiling at Buffy’s site last week. The event was emceed by rugby league great and Mackay region councillor Martin Bella.

Daly Cherry-Evans has played 22 Origin matches and 18 Tests and Reuben Cotter 40 Origins and two Tests.

Brianna Clark became the first female Origin player from Sarina in 2021 and has played five Tests.

An earlier plaque honours four others – Dale Shearer (22 Origins, 20 Tests), Kevin Campion (4 Origins), Martin Bella (21 Origins, 9 Tests) and Wendell Sailor (14 Origins, 11 Tests).

After the unveiling, the Sarina Rugby League Club and the Sarina Neighbourhood Centre hosted the “Happy As” barbecue and mini expo to celebrate Men’s Health Awareness Month (Movember).

Mayor Greg Williamson said Movember is a fantastic month-long campaign that encourages men to engage in activities to raise awareness about men’s health.

“It aims to challenge the stigma around men’s health issues, spark conversations and promote early detection and intervention.”

‍

Photo credit: Sarina Rugby League Football Club

CANEGROWERS has congratulated Federal Trade Minister Don Farrell on taking the courageous decision to step away from free trade negotiations with the European Union rather than sign a bad deal for Australia’s farmers.

Minister Farrell was in Japan last month for the G7 Trade Ministers Meeting in Osaka, where it was anticipated an Australia-EU free trade deal might be done on the sidelines.

However, with agriculture strongly represented by the National Farmers’ Federation, CANEGROWERS and other ag bodies, Minister Farrell agreed that the terms on offer from the EU represented a poor deal for Aussie agriculture.

“Minister Farrell has led a team of officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade who have been working hard on this deal for the past five years. They have collaborated and consulted closely with industry at every step along the way and have always negotiated in good faith with the EU,” CANEGROWERS CEO Dan Galligan said.

“Unfortunately, the EU has consistently failed to offer meaningful access for Australian agricultural produce, including sugar, and as expected, they put nothing new on the table in Japan.  

“We have been telling the Minister for months that no deal would be better than signing a bad deal, and I thank him and his team for listening to farmers and taking their concerns on board.”

Mr Galligan, who was in Japan with the NFF and working directly with government trade officials, said it took guts and determination to walk away.

“Ultimately the EU was unwilling to come to the table with a meaningful offer.

“It’s no small decision to walk away from a free trade agreement with one of the world’s largest trading blocs. It takes courage and I congratulate Minister Farrell for making the tough decision; I know the nation’s farmers will appreciate him taking a stand on their behalf.

“The bottom line is the EU needs sugar. They regularly import two million tonnes of raw sugar per year to meet their domestic demand. And European sugar refiners are crying out for access to the type of high-quality, sustainably produced sugar we produce here in Australia.  

“In the meantime, the growing Asian market will continue to be the main export destination for the bulk of our high-quality, sustainably produced raw sugar. While we are constantly seeking to open up trade access to premium markets, Asia will likely remain the key export partner for Australian sugar for many years to come.”

By Kevin Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay

The harvest should be winding up in the next few weeks. But it’s not.

It runs against sugarcane agronomy, and it runs against cane supply agreements.

Grower confidence is suffering under the influence of another long and arduous crush, potentially heading to a third consecutive year of harvesting into the Christmas curfew period, or at the least, cutting right up until Christmas.

It cuts against profitability, with a high likelihood of cane left in the paddock again as standover, with the sugar content of cane lowering after mid-November, and late-cut cane losing an important growth period so depleting the following year’s crop.

It comes down to some troubled mill performance. Very little time this year has been lost to wet weather, but we have seen quite a few breakdowns and below average throughput.

With current high prices and emerging new biocommodities markets for sugar and its bi-products, grower confidence by all rights should be at an all-time high. However, if milling to Christmas continues the industry will be on a downward spiral because growers don't see a future in growing a crop they can supply in a reasonable crushing timeframe. Even to not get the full potential of their crop.

A long season length dilutes that potential.

I’d go as far to say that the industry is burning cash. While some of Queensland’s millers have their act together, others need to spend the money, to invest as needed in capital works and maintenance that will keep the mills going. Our mills have for so long been unreliable and the reality is that this is cutting at the whole supply chain’s profitability.

For growers, we operate at the margins after taking a world price, and at the end of the day, growers - typically small agribusinesses- are wearing the cost. We wear the cost when the mill breaks down, we wear the costs of an unoccupied harvest labour workforce. And we wear the cost of productivity impacts.

We maintain a two-thirds interest in our sugar – the sugar made from our cane – it’s called Grower Economic Interest, or GEI. Millers, likewise, have a one third interest (MEI). It’s not a new approach, but it was further enshrined in the Sugar Industry Code of Conduct in 2017. It’s a vital industry tool that emerged from the fierce marketing debate that ensnared the sugar industry some eight years ago, and ensures clear lines of conduct and communication between marketers, millers, and growers. It was important at the time as it restored confidence for the regional grower families that are the very bedrock of Queensland’s sugar industry.

Without the Code of Conduct, large corporations with localized monopolies can have the upper hand in negotiations – even with strong advocacy bodies like CANEGROWERS at the negotiating table. The Code of Conduct has been a boon for industry, and has meant we get to continue to maintain the Australian way of doing business, on an equal footing.

We maintain that two-third GEI because we are the ones investing in crop cost of production, from soil heath to planting to environmental management to WHS to business costs to farm inputs to harvest costs. Because that's what we put in. It’s a shame not to be able to make the best of it.

‍

The harvest will roll on well into December. Photo credit: CANEGROWERS Mackay

‍

‍

With chiropractic care as the largest natural health profession in the world, Experience Healing is the leading choice in treating and maintaining physical health for people of all ages.

Experience Healing Chiropractic Centre has provided the Mackay region with the best chiropractic care for over eight years and counting.

Experience Healing believes in correcting the pillars of physical health, movement, strength, posture and balance. When these pillars are improved, pain is reduced and optimal physical health is restored.

Aiming to reduce the physical stress from everyday life, Experience Healing will allow you to thrive by alleviating pain, identifying where it stems from and treating the root cause.

Experience Healing offers relief through a range of services, including sports injury management, fascial cupping, laser therapy and chiropractic adjustments. They also stock a range of natural medicines by Metagenics to optimise your health to its full potential.

Experience Healing is dedicated to providing the quickest path to recovery by ensuring the root cause of your pain is found and addressed.

If you are in pain or feel like your body isn't functioning as well as it could be, listen to the signs and get in touch with Experience Healing, it will be the first step to feeling your absolute best.

Get on the road to recovery with Experience Healing by calling 0749 524 400.

‍

Experience Healing Chiropractic Centre provide the best natural remedies in Mackay.

Photo supplied