CANEGROWERS has again secured a critical industry exemption from the Christmas transport curfew, ensuring the delayed sugarcane harvest can keep moving through the holiday period.
Poor weather, industrial action, and the consistently unreliable milling performance in many districts will once again push the harvest into late December.
CANEGROWERS Chairman Owen Menkens expressed frustration at the situation, noting the heavy strain on growers’ bottom lines.
“Once again, the harvest is running late, and it’s a real blow to growers,” Mr Menkens said.
“These delays cost money, and with the wet season approaching, the risk of severe disruption looms larger. If the wet weather hits before all the cane is cut, we could see crops left in the paddock, and no one wants that.”
The exemption, secured through collaboration with the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR), the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR), and the Queensland Police Service (QPS), will allow certain machinery and cane trucks to operate on public roads where necessary during the holiday curfew.
Growers and contractors must apply for permits by 1 December through the NHVR portal.
A traffic management plan must be included. CANEGROWERS district offices are also ready with support and templates for growers.
Mr Menkens pointed to the ongoing issues within the milling sector as a primary driver behind this year’s delays.
“While some mills maintain efficient operations and communicate well with growers, others continue to struggle with underinvestment, staffing issues, and painfully slow bin deliveries,” he said.
“It’s a worsening situation that urgently needs attention and CANEGROWERS will continue working with the Australian Sugar Milling Council to address these structural issues.”
“We need better performance across the board, not only to complete this year’s harvest but to set up the industry for future growth.
“The industry must come together to solve these issues and improve our productivity across,” Mr Menkens added.
CANEGROWERS has also welcomed the announcement of Premier David Crisafulli’s new Cabinet, with grower leaders looking forward to strengthening their productive relationship with the LNP government.
CANEGROWERS CEO Dan Galligan said the organisation had already established strong ties with the Premier and Primary Industries Minister Tony Perrett while in opposition.
“We’ve built a solid working relationship with the LNP team, and we’re keen to get started delivering for Queensland’s sugarcane growers, their industry, and the communities they support,” Mr Galligan said.
Top priorities include reducing crippling power and water costs for agriculture and cutting red tape that holds the industry back.
“For growers to thrive, we need action on high costs and over-regulation, and we’re confident the new government will work collaboratively with the industry on these issues,” Mr Galligan added.
CANEGROWERS is also looking forward to partnering with the government on establishing a domestic biofuels industry, with sugarcane as a primary feedstock.
“We welcome the new government’s commitments, including a $30 million innovation fund, $50 million in biosecurity funding, and especially a $12 million package for the Mossman sugarcane industry,” Mr Galligan said.
“And we’re excited to work with this government to deliver real outcomes for the future of Queensland’s sugarcane sector.”
