CANEGROWERS ELECTIONS - TIME TO STEP UP

The CANEGROWERS elections are fast approaching and there has never been a more critical time for growers to stand up and play an active role in shaping the future of Queensland’s sugarcane industry.

Held every three years, the election process gives members, from Rocky Point to Mossman, an opportunity to elect directors to their local CANEGROWERS district board.

These newly elected board members will then appoint representatives to sit on the CANEGROWERS Queensland Policy Council, which in turn elects the new CANEGROWERS Queensland Board.

Nominations will open on 1 February 2022, and already interest is high, with dozens of potential leaders attending the CANEGROWERS Leadership Forum in Cairns earlier this year, to get a feel for what it means to be an elected growerrepresentative.

“CANEGROWERS’ strength has always come from its members, the sugarcane farming families of Queensland. It is from these very members that we draw our leadership teams,” current CANEGROWERS Chairman Paul Schembri said.

“At both district and state level, the people working and fighting for growers are themselves growers. They understand the challenges and opportunities facing the industry and can ensure the growers’ voice is heard loudly and clearly through the corridors of power.

“Being a grower representative can be a challenging role at times, but it’s also very interesting and very rewarding.”

“These days, thanks to a strong and experienced team of staff at our district and state offices, coupled with the use of new communication technologies and the adoption of more efficient farming practices, it is much easier for board members to strike that all important balance between family life, farm life and leadership responsibilities.”

Any CANEGROWERS member can nominate for a board position, and while many experienced directors will be returned, the triennial elections present an opportunity for new grower-representatives to step up.

“It’s critical we have a diversity of views, experience and skill sets around the board tables to ensure that any decisions we make at district and state level are in the best interest of our members and the industry as a whole,” Mr Schembri said.

“I’d particularly like to encourage more women and younger growers to consider taking on a leadership role.

“Women have always played a huge part in the success of our industry but have long been under-represented in leadership roles. That’s something we need to change.

“It’s also important that younger growers stand up and get involved. It’s an excellent opportunity, not only to share their own views and knowledge, but also learn about the intricacies of the industry and what it takes to be a successful grower-representative from more experienced board members.

“Now, more than at any other time in our history, the industry is coming together and working towards a common goal.

“While there will always be tensions to manage, at an industry level, growers, millers and researchers are pulling in the same direction, looking at ways to improve production and boost profits, while overcoming regulatory challenges and positioning the industry to be an important part of Australia’s evolving economy into the future.

“One thing is certain, it is a critical time for the industry and we need growers to stand up and play a leading role in shaping the future of our industry for the benefit of us all.”

“I’d particularly like to encourage more women and younger growers to consider taking on a leadership role.”