Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has been criticised for his whirlwind visit to Mackay last week on Wednesday which lasted less than an hour.

In his visit, he met select media in a Mackay pharmacy to speak about the rising cost of living, briefly speaking to some customers afterwards.

“As a result of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, right around the world, we're seeing inflation in many countries go to double digits. That's placing real pressure on people's cost of living,” he said.

But Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox said the trip was a ‘photo opportunity’ which would have been better spent reinstating funding for the region’s roads, tackling the regional worker shortage or addressing the recent mental health cuts under the Albanese Government.

“It’s no wonder locals in our neck of the woods say they feel overlooked by the Labor Government when stunts like this happen. Dawson deserves better,” Mr Willcox said.

Some residents took to Facebook to criticise the Prime Minister for the brief visit.

“Once he got past Gympie, he forgot he was in Australia,” wrote one.

Another claimed he spent more time at the cricket and the Woodfolk Folk Festival than in Mackay.

Mr Albanese has been criticised previously for his brief visits, being donned by some as ‘Airbus Albo.’

But local Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert, not seen at the media event, took to social media to thank the Prime Minister for coming to Mackay.

Mr Willcox took aim at the Agriculture Minister’s ‘failure to engage’ with farmers in the Dawson region during his visit.

“Most people would have no idea he was in Dawson because he didn’t do anything. I had hoped that the Minister would speak about the extended crushing season or the struggle for producers to find workers,” Mr Willcox said.

“The Minister should be making every effort to meet with local industry leaders and those on the ground doing the hard yakka to get product to market.

“What good is a Minister for Agriculture who comes along for the ride? Our Ag sector does so much for this country, but it’s taken for granted by Labor.”

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Glen Clark, pharmacist at T + C Pharmacy in Mackay met Prime Minister Albanese during the PM’s brief visit to Mackay last week

No cats were seen during this week’s torrential deluge, but Mackay’s faithful police dog, Griffin, was spotted having fun in-between deployments.

Sergeant Nigel Dalton of the Mackay Police said that the rain was fairly normal at this time of the year, but there are still risks to the community posed by flooding and hidden dangers.

“It’s welcomed rain that makes our area stunning for the rest of the year but with all weather events there comes danger if we are not careful and responsible,” Sergeant Dalton said.

“Police over the weekend have had a challenging time and have to react to many different situations quickly with other emergency crews, even our own dog section were out and about helping.”

Dog Squad Sergeant Jacob Bates took photos while Police Dog Griffin was having a rest between deployments.

“Police Dog Griffin noticed flood waters and was soon back in the Police Ute before any danger came by,” Sergeant Dalton said.

“It is important to look after each other when there is flood water around, keep children and pets out of flood water in case hidden dangers approach.

“People and animals can be swept away creating further dangerous situations for rescuers.

“Do not underestimate the ferocity of the flood waters and wet roads.

“If it’s flooded, forget it – even if you are on foot.”

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PD Griffin enjoyed down time between deployments to assist with flooding. Photo credits: Dog Squad Sergeant Jacob Bates

Police assisted a car stuck in floodwater near the Victoria Plains Road in North Eton. Photo Credit: Mackay Police

You might be waiting a little longer this week for your fresh supply of Eungelladale milk, but when stocks are replenished, we recommend buying an extra bottle.

The locally made milk comes from Eungella cows and is pasturised and bottled in Eungella, supplying fresh and creamy milk to Mackay.

When this week’s rain caused devastation to the Eungella Range with flooding and slips, Eungelladale Dairy owner Dale Fortescue showed his dedication to dairy.

Posting on social media, Dale said he and his son walked 1.5 miles up the Eungella Range to get home for milking.

“There are a lot of rocks on the range, it will take a week or so to clear, so shops may be short of Eungelladale milk,” he said.

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Dale Fortescue from Eungelladale Dairy climbed 1.5 miles of the Eungella Range to milk his cows after damage to the range prevented vehicle access. Photo credit: Eungelladale Dairy

A world-leading Future Foods BioHub in Mackay is a step closer with the Queensland Government partnering with Cauldron, Asia-Pacific’s first large-scale precision fermentation manufacturing launchpad, to develop a business case.

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development Steven Miles said a future contract manufacturing facility will generate local jobs and play an important role in meeting global demand for food.

“The proposed fermented Future Foods contract manufacturing facility will provide the large-scale fermentation capacity needed by Future Foods fermentation companies to produce their products at scale,” Mr Miles said.

“We made a commitment at the last election to deliver a business case for a BioHub in the Mackay region.

“We are delivering on that commitment by funding up to $528,000 and partnering with Cauldron to get it done.

“The proposed $300 million facility will provide the anchor infrastructure Queensland needs to catalyse a new commercial-scale industry, complement the region’s agricultural and manufacturing strengths, protect existing jobs in the sugar industry, diversify the local economy and create new local jobs.

“Nationally, CSIRO estimates the fermented Future Foods industry could produce close to $1.1 billion worth of retail products and up to 2,020 jobs by 2030.

Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said the Government was prioritising creating a Future Foods BioHub in Mackay.

“Locally, the industry, including the Greater Whitsunday Alliance, have a long-term vision to manufacture bioproducts using the region’s unique strengths, such as its ample biomass feedstock and transport networks and port,” Ms Gilbert said.

“With a Future Foods BioHub that enables this growth and supports the local vision, the Palaszczuk Government and Cauldron are looking to capture these benefits for Queensland.”

Cauldron Founder and CEO Michelle Stansfield said she looked forward to working with the Queensland Government.

“Australia has a unique opportunity to become a regional powerhouse in precision fermentation and unlock future breakthroughs in science, technology, and medicine, in combination,” Ms Stansfield said.

“Working hand in hand with regions like Mackay, we will be able to create new jobs and unlock future opportunities to create more food, fibre and feed for the world.

“We commend the Queensland Government for its commitment to help plan the future of our regional jobs, resources and capabilities.”

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Fermented foods could become an important industry in the Mackay Region with the announcement of a Future Foods BioHub supported by the Queensland Government

A 31-year-old man has died following a single vehicle crash near Nebo earlier this week, on January 16.

The man’s upturned vehicle was located at about 11.20pm Monday evening just off the Peak Downs Highway, around 10kms from the township of Nebo.

The driver and sole occupant of the vehicle, a 31-year-old from Nebo, died at the scene.

Investigations by the Forensic Crash Unit are continuing.

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Patients across Central Queensland recovering from heart procedures are now able to access rehabilitation care and monitoring from home, no matter where in the region they live.

Mater Private Hospital Townsville has introduced virtual cardiac rehabilitation services for patients unable to attend face to face sessions due to distance or lack of transport. The virtual rehabilitation includes two video consultations a week with a specialist clinician complemented by a phone application developed by Queensland scientific technology company Cardihab, which tracks patients’ heart rate, blood pressure, steps walked and more.

Mackay resident Sharon Nuttall said the virtual rehabilitation sessions allowed her to recover from home.

“I’m fit and healthy, and exercise regularly – I used to jog 6 km or swim 30 laps, however a coronary calcium scan showed my overall calcium score was well above average and my main artery was 70 per cent blocked,” Ms Nuttall said.

“I was admitted to Mater Private Hospital Townsville and underwent a triple bypass. Following the procedure, staff discussed Mater’s virtual rehabilitation program with me which would allow me to rehabilitate from home rather than having to travel.

“Mater’s virtual cardiac rehabilitation program is a great idea, especially for regional areas of Queensland without ready access to specialist care. I’m still completing my rehabilitation program but am already feeling the difference.”

Mater Private Hospital Townsville Exercise Physiologist Shaun Whiley said prior to the pilot program, participation rates for cardiac rehabilitation in regional areas was low.

“The virtual rehabilitation program began following our Allied Health Manager and I identifying that a large number of cardiac patients from areas outside of Townsville would not adhere to any sort of rehabilitation or care plan until their six week consultation with a cardiologist,” Mr Whiley said. “Rehabilitation is vitally important, not only because research suggests that those who do not rehabilitate following heart procedures have a higher chance of being rehospitalised, but so these people can return to their normal lives: we are from a region where everyone is very physical and social in work, social and family settings.

“Knowing that these sessions have given patients the confidence to return to normal following what can be in many cases very significant procedures is why cardiac rehabilitation is so important.

“Delivering virtual rehabilitation means regional and remote communities do not have to drive two or three hours to access a clinician. Participants to date have been from Mackay, Charters Towers, Ravenshoe and more – if there is anyone who cannot access cardiac rehabilitation in their region, from Mackay up to the Cape and West to the border, Mater is here.”

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Mackay Resident Sharon Nuttall (on screen) with Mater Private Hospital Townsville Exercise Physiologist Rachel Armstrong

Wet weather can be a challenge for lawn care, but it's important to take steps to keep your lawn healthy during this time. One of the most important things you can do is to make sure that your lawn is properly drained. This means ensuring that there is no standing water on your lawn, as this can lead to mold, fungus, and other problems.

Another key step in keeping your lawn healthy during wet weather is to make sure that it is getting the right amount of fertilisation. This means using a fertilizer that is specifically formulated for use during wet weather. It is also important to apply the fertiliser at the right time, as applying it during periods of heavy rain can wash it away before it can be absorbed by the grass.

In addition to proper drainage and fertilisation, it's also important to mow your lawn at the right height during wet weather. This means cutting your grass to a slightly longer length than normal, as this will help to reduce the amount of damage caused by heavy rain and foot traffic.

Finally, it's important to be mindful of the types of activities you're doing on your lawn during wet weather. Avoid heavy foot traffic, as this can compact the soil and make it more difficult for your lawn to absorb water and nutrients. Also, avoid using heavy equipment, as this can damage the soil and make it more difficult for your lawn to recover.

By following these tips, you'll be able to keep your lawn healthy and vibrant during wet weather, despite the challenges it can present. With a little extra care and attention, you can help ensure that your lawn stays green and beautiful, no matter what the weather has in store.

TOP MOWING TIPS

• When mowing in damp conditions, it's important to keep your mower clean and well-maintained to prevent mould and other issues.

• After mowing, clean the deck and tires with a wire brush and scrape the deck with a putty knife.

• Mow more frequently to prevent tall, wet grass, and raise the mower deck to the highest or second-highest setting.

• If conditions are bad, use side-discharge instead of bagging or mulching.

• Keep your mower blades sharp for a crisp cut and healthy grass.

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With many hot days and nights on the horizon, many homeowners are looking to upgrade their outdoor spaces, and with the rise of stay-at-home work opportunities, backyard pools have become more popular than ever. Here are some of the top pool design trends for 2023 to help you create the ultimate backyard oasis.

• Natural Materials: Bring nature into your everyday life. The use of natural materials such as stone, wood, and plants is becoming increasingly popular in pool design. This not only adds a touch of the sublime to the space but also helps to create a more seamless transition between the pool and the surrounding landscape.

• Negative Edges: Negative edge pools, also known as infinity pools, create the illusion of the water extending out into the horizon. This type of pool design is perfect for those with a view and can help to enhance the overall aesthetic of the space.

• Lighting: Lights, camera (for the poolside selfies) and you have action! In 2023, homeowners are opting for more modern and energy-efficient options such as LED lights. These lights can be controlled by a smartphone or tablet and can change colours to match the mood or occasion.

• Water Features: Water features such as waterfalls and fountains are still as popular as ever, although, have they ever been out of fashion? Not only do they add visual interest to the aesthetic, but they also provide the soothing sound of running water.

• Outdoor Kitchens and Living Spaces: To create the ultimate backyard oasis, many homeowners are opting to include outdoor kitchens and living spaces as part of their pool design. This allows for easy entertaining and extends the living space of the home.

• Sustainable Design: As homeowners become more environmentally conscious, sustainable design is becoming increasingly important in pool design. This includes the use of eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient equipment, and the incorporation of natural filtration systems.

Pool design trends for 2023 are all about creating an outdoor living space that seamlessly integrates with nature, while still being modern and energy-efficient. With the right design, you can create the ultimate backyard oasis that you and your family will enjoy for years to come.

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In 2023 we are embarking on a journey of some exciting new trends that we will be seeing in our homes. There are so many to share with you, so we will break them down over the next few articles, and this year it’s all about personalization. What better place to kick off the new year than the central hub of the home, the kitchen.

Our kitchens are such an important space as they not only provide functionality, but they also provide a zone to share socially with family and friends where lifetime memories are created. It’s also the area which can be the most expensive to remodel or design from scratch although can add significant value to your home so can be well worth it.

The kitchen should be a place that truly showcases your personality, filled with all the things that are important to you and your family.

Today we are sharing some exciting new kitchen innovation designs that not only look stunning but also make our lives easier in many ways.

Gone are the days of walking into a kitchen and seeing large appliances everywhere which are usually in stainless or metal materials. These items perform an important function in our homes although do we have to see them so dominantly? The answer is no.

Integrated fridges create a seamless uninterrupted flow in the kitchen design and who doesn’t like a secret door?  They look neat and tidy and with innovation progressing at light speed we are now also seeing models which have water stations either internally or recessed into the cabinetry which are easily accessible.

We all love our furry friends so why not embrace a practical and thoughtful trend of incorporating feeding and watering stations into our kitchens. Gone are the days of bowls strewn through the home, this way it’s all neat and tidy and everything is at your fingertips. You may also wish to install a motion censored feeder.

In kitchen sink designs we are seeing other materials being used instead of the boring stainless steel or metal. We are seeing marble, granite, or enamel in stunning colours which just pop. New designs are countersunk and seamless just like an inground swimming pool. If you feel like splurging a little, we are also seeing automating disappearing sinks in stone, metal and ceramic, which are not only very cool in operation, they also provide further bench space.

Are you sick of seeing that massive stainless steel rangehood which never seems perfectly polished, or that ugly pull-out exhaust? We are seeing two innovative design solutions coming through in 2023. Firstly, we are seeing fully integrated exhausts that you no longer pull which sit flush under the cabinetry. Free standing exhausts are now being made a feature which feel like they are an intentional part of the kitchen design by tiling them, or you can make them become an independent feature if you wish in a contrasting colour or material like reclaimed timber.

Cooktops have evolved significantly to not only look cohesively beautiful but to be so much more practical in providing further bench space when not in use, like the invisible induction cooktop or if you are a gas loving cook why not opt for the new integrating burners which have granite or marble surrounds flowing from the benchtops instead of sitting on a piece of black ceramic or glass.

If you would like to design, re model or cosmetically spruce up your kitchen contact Tracey from Style Central Home for a complimentary initial consultation.

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By Sam Gillespie

I recently visited Bali over the new year’s period and, while some cocktails were consumed, the latter half of my trip was spent in the quieter area of Ubud, a town surrounded by rainforest and rice paddies known for its traditional crafts and dance.

It was in Ubud that I tried yoga for the first time, as the rain pitter-pattered on the shelter at our villa, overlooking rice fields of a lush green.

I know that I lack flexibility and strength – I struggle to even cross my legs, giving me a disadvantage from the start – and this experience truly highlighted that, but it also highlighted how frequently practising yoga can improve these abilities.

It was through poses like Downward Facing Dog, Warrior poses, Extended Side Angle and my feeble yet spirited attempts at more difficult poses like Forearm Stands and Formidable Face Poses that I realised the glaring benefits of yoga.

Our friendly and flexible instructor, Ambara, guided us through these poses with grace and encouragement, his movements a testament to how yoga can improve one’s body.

Physical benefits of yoga can include increased flexibility, increased muscle strength and tone, improved respiration, energy and vitality, maintaining a balanced metabolism, weight reduction, cardio and circulatory health, improved athletic performance and protection from injury.

Similarly, there is a meditation and breathing element to yoga that can help improve one’s mental wellbeing.

The calming effects of yoga were amplified by my setting, with regular yoga practice creating mental clarity and calmness, increased body awareness and a state of relaxation.

I worked up a far bigger sweat than I was expecting, giving my upper body the most intense workout I’m sure it’s received in a long time.

It was an eye-opening experience and one that has inspired me to take up yoga more regularly, with the innumerable benefits all things I could do with more in my life.

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Healthy New Year’s resolutions are in full swing. But if you’ve decided 2023 is the year to start trying to conceive, there’s a few things that should be on your pre-pregnancy check list.

We chat to Dr Naguesh Gaunekar, fertility specialist at Queensland Fertility Group’s Mackay clinic as he shares health, diet and lifestyle advice, to help increase your chances of getting pregnant.

“If you’re planning to conceive, nutrition plays an important role, in both men and women. Where you can, natural real food is best,” said Dr Gaunekar.

“Eat lots of vegetables and fibre, fish, legumes and olive oil. Steer clear of processed foods, to avoid added sugar and salt, and aim for ample protein.

“In fact, Mediterranean foods are good choices; they have plenty of good fats like omega-3, and antioxidants to help promote a healthy gut microbiome.

“Anti-inflammatory foods can actually help balance your hormones and play a role in keeping a woman’s cycle and ovulation healthy.

Dr Gaunekar explains that traditionally, the overall burden of fertility health has historically fallen onto women, when in fact men account for half of the fertility equation.

“One in six couples experience fertility problems, and male-related infertility contributes to 50% of couples who are struggling to conceive.

“Luckily there are many things a man can do to improve his sperm health; by improving lifestyle factors, eating healthily, avoiding alcohol, and stopping smoking.

“It’s important both partners are in optimal health before trying to conceive; and it pays to know that sperm production actually takes about three months.

“So for men, you’ll need to plan ahead when you want to conceive as the sperm you are producing today was actually made six weeks ago,” said Dr Gaunekar.

Having healthy sperm not only increases your chances of achieving a pregnancy faster, but it can actually help improve the health of your future child.

There’s also a growing body of evidence that fertility health can be negatively impacted by certain chemicals found in our environment, known as endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs).

Dr Gaunekar advises washing fruit and vegetables thoroughly, as they may have been exposed to pesticides.

“Use paraben-free personal products such as shampoos, conditioners and soaps. Avoid plastic bottles, which keeps you away from chemicals like Bisphenols, including BPA – use a stainless-steel water bottle instead,” said Dr Gaunekar.

To really boost your pre-pregnancy planning, visit a fertility specialist which can conduct simple fertility tests to find out what’s happening, explore all your options and help you fall pregnant sooner.

Queensland Fertility Group is also launching a new ‘Before Baby’ program to help you feel empowered as you start your journey to parenthood. It’s a free four-week pre-pregnancy guide sent via email each week, covering everything fertility, fitness, relationships, nutrition, plus lots of bonus content. To sign up visit qfg.com.au

Pre-pregnancy check list

● For women - take 0.5mg folic acid supplements daily

● Aim for a healthy diet and BMI

● Moderate exercise

● Quit alcohol, smoking and reduce caffeine

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Dr Naguesh Gaunekar encourages couples trying to conceive to eat a healthy diet with natural food

Dr Naguesh Gaunekar

Trying to conceive can be a stressful time for couples. Dr Naguesh Gaunekar at Queensland Fertility Group offers local solutions in Mackay to give couples options in their fertility journey

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You’ve managed to stick to your New Year’s resolution of getting fit to live your best life, but after a few weeks of the grind, you may be wondering how to ease those aching muscles to enable you to keep training.

Proper muscle recovery is essential to help you move better and reach your performance goals. There is a plethora of alternative treatments and therapies available, here are just a few suggestions to keep you on the move.

HOT TUB THERAPY

Hot tub therapy is a great way to warm up your muscles before a workout. It is recommended that athletes spend 10-15 minutes in the hot tub before their normal workout routine. This helps increase blood flow to the muscles, improves conduction of the nervous system, and increases heart rate while decreasing blood pressure. The hot tub can also be used as a recovery tool after a workout to promote muscle relaxation and improved rest. Athletes should spend 10-25 minutes in the hot tub to unwind after an intense workout.

COLD TUB THERAPY

Cold tub therapy, also known as cold water immersion, is most used as a “cool down” recovery modality. It is recommended that athletes spend at least 7-12 minutes in the cold tub. This helps reduce muscle soreness, inflammation, and muscle damage. Cold tub therapy may not be as comfortable as time in the hot tub, but the benefits are worth it.

CUPPING

Cupping therapy is a non-invasive, low-cost form of therapy used to promote natural body healing. It is a form of acupuncture that involves lighting a flammable liquid inside a cup which is then placed on sore muscles for five to 10 minutes, creating a vacuum-like environment to promote blood flow, stimulate muscle activity, and decrease inflammation. However, the treatment can result in bruising and there is "very limited scientific evidence" to support its effectiveness.

CRYOTHERAPY

Whole body cryotherapy (WBC) is a treatment that exposes the body to extremely low temperatures between -200 to -300 degrees Fahrenheit to treat chronic joint pain, anxiety, weight gain, migraines, insomnia, rheumatoid arthritis, and Alzheimer's disease. The treatment lasts between two to four minutes and involves liquid nitrogen, either in a single chamber where the person's torso and legs are confined but their head is exposed or a small room where several people can sit or stand.

As with any alternative therapy, please consult your doctor before trying new treatments.

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CANEGROWERS Mackay Chairman Kevin Borg has welcomed Queensland Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development Steven Miles announcement on Monday of significant developments for the Mackay region’s emerging biofutures economy. (More on page 7).

The Deputy Premier has announced a partnership with Cauldron Asia-Pacific’s first large-scale precision fermentation manufacturing launchpad, to develop a business case working towards a contract manufacturing facility for Future Foods, as well as Queensland Government funding to expand the QUT Mackay Renewable Biocommodities Pilot Plant

Mr Borg said the developments were a welcome and exciting step towards a strong and diversified sugar industry.

“The Mackay region has a strong and highly productive sugar industry, and we are in the box seat to meet the needs of any emerging technologies and industries that will strengthen and diversify our economy,” he said.

“When looking to renewable resources in Queensland – whether for Future Foods, fibres or fuels - sugar is an obvious choice. It makes sense to build on the sturdy economic base that sugar offers in the Mackay Region.”

“CANEGROWERS Mackay elected representatives and management have been working towards the realisation of this for our growers through the development of the Sugar Plus Industry Roadmap, and through the Mackay Biofutures Leaders Working Group.

“We look forward to the opportunity to work with industry, adding value for all involved from paddock to port.”

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The 2022 Harvest has wound up, with Plane Creek and Mackay Sugar milling districts now both crushed out, despite a plan to push hard into January.

No doubt about it, the 2022 Harvest has presented challenges and lessons for growers and millers alike.

While we have been graced with the silver lining of sugar prices maintaining an unprecedented high right across the season, we have battled issues and delays brought about by unseasonal rain during harvest, mill under-performance, and high costs for fuel and fertiliser This all ran counter to what was a bumper crop, and a crop that dramatically increased over winter with the influence of wet weather.

The rain and some warmer temps meant the plants energy was often going into growth and not sugar production: CCS (sugar content) was down throughout the season, with cane quality sharply declining mid-December, as would be expected. Science shows the optimal crush finish time is the second week of November, for sugar content and ratooning of the plant.

It meant that there was a lot of lost opportunity in the 2022 harvest, so it is to be hoped that we learn from these as we move into 2023, because that too looks as though it will be a big crop. There remains quite a bit of standover cane from the 2022 harvest, and the ratoon cane cut early in the harvest is already looking great for 2023.

Plane Creek Mill crushed out for the season in the small hours of Saturday, January 7. Across the 2022 harvest, the mill has processed 1.49 million tonnes, its largest throughput since 1999. The final season CCS was 12.8 units- and that low figure tells the lost opportunity for growers and for millers. Working from crop estimates, there will be over 150,000 tonnes of standover in the Plane Creek mill area.

In Mackay milling district, where crop estimates have leapt by 800,000T to 5.9Mt from initial season estimates of 5.1Mt. As of January 12, there remained a massive 370,000t still in paddock. Crushing ceased at midnight on January 13, following extremely heavy rainfalls across the district damaging the rail network and saturating paddocks, rendering harvesting and supply to mill impossible.

CANEGROWERS Mackay representatives have maintained a strong voice on behalf of growers in meetings with millers, taking arising issues to the highest levels of management.

It is clear that 2022’s climate pattern of winter rain and warmer temperatures had an impact on the way cane crops developed, particularly when talking about timing and growth. There is a clear need to learn from this, and be ready to take full advantage of time available to harvest and process cane whenever we can across the winter months. This requires an industry-wide effort of co-operation – by growers and millers - to see our crops off efficiently and maintain profitability for all parties.

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On the safety front, it has been excellent to see that there were no road incidents related to harvest vehicles over the Christmas Heavy Vehicle Curfew period. CANEGROWERS Mackay ran community safety messaging and ensured relevant harvest contractor members were supported in gaining permits. We thank the community for their understanding, patience and care, and also growers and harvest contractors for their diligence through the busy festive season.
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Finalday of the 2022-23 crush at Racecourse Mill. Picture: Contributed

 Duckscalled it on Friday, January 13

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Mackay Sugar last week called an end to its 2022 crushing season, with all three mills – Farleigh, Racecourse and Marian – crushing out of sugar cane by midnight last Friday.

The decision to call an end to the season follows recent heavy rainfall across the region, which has left sizable sections of railway track damaged, bins and locos stranded, and cane paddocks waterlogged and unable to be harvested.

“Our people have worked tirelessly to see 94 per cent of the total crop harvested and processed this season, but we have made the decision to stop crushing as the safety of our cane supply, rail infrastructure and harvest teams is our priority,” said Carl Morton, Mackay Sugar General Manager Operations.

“The season has also extended several weeks beyond our initial predicted finish date due to early season rain, mill performance issues and a 13 per cent increase in crop size, so I know our workforce, growers and harvesters are all looking forward to a well-earned break,” he said.

Whilst official numbers weren’t available at time of print, Mackay Sugar’s initial season summary reports a total 5.54Mt of cane crushed over the 31-week period, producing more than 664,000 tonnes of raw sugar.

Mackay Sugar also generated approximately 121,080 MWh of renewable electricity throughout the crushing season via its cogeneration facility, with some 89,340 MWh of that being exported into the national grid and supplying local Mackay households.

“That said, the season presented more challenges than expected, however we have prioritised the key performance issues that impacted the 2022 crush and have plans in place to address these,” explained Mr Morton.

“We commenced detailed planning for our maintenance period several months ago, and as a result we are ready and equipped for the upcoming maintenance season despite the ongoing challenges arising from the tight labour market that we continue to manage and deal with,” he said.

“As part of our ongoing continuous improvement focus, we have identified improvement opportunities in maintenance and operations which we have prioritised leading into the 2023 season.

“This year our crews have already been working on the maintenance program with split rosters to ensure we work on critical path jobs and we know we have a lot of work to do to see another successful crop crushed in 2023,” Mr Morton said.

“We are very proud to have a truly dedicated workforce who will work extended hours over the maintenance season and we acknowledge the people who have moved their planned leave to ensure critical path jobs are prioritised so that we have a timely commissioning and start to 2023 crush,” he said.

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The rain event halted the 2022 crushing season. Photo credit: Bureau of Meteorology