From the Chair

BY OWEN MENKENS, Chairman, CANEGROWERS

With local government elections coming up this month, it’s a good time to reflect on what action we want from our council representatives.

Local government has many responsibilities, but three areas in particular impact us as farmers—rates, biosecurity, and local planning regulations.

The role of a councillor is not an easy one, given the rules and boundaries imposed on them by the State Government, but it is our role at CANEGROWERS to help empower councils to work through these issues to keep our local communities thriving.

Independent analysis has shown that for every $1 worth of cane grown, the industry generates $6.42 in income for the economy, so it is important that issues affecting cane farming are part of council planning and practices going forward.

Rating practices vary across councils. In some areas cane farmers pay reasonable and sensible levels of rates, whereas in others, they are disadvantaged compared to other small businesses.

Councils need rates to function, and all farmers are willing to pay their fair share, but we should not be taken for granted or used as a cash cow to pay for unnecessary services.

CANEGROWERS has been working with the Queensland Farmers’ Federation to counter unfair rating practices, and at the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) conference in October some councils looked to have these issues raised with the State Government.

Sugarcane farming is the cornerstone of most of the communities it inhabits, so growers should be treated fairly and equitably.

Local biosecurity is also the responsibility of councils. Be it pigs, rats, coots, wallabies, fire ants, or any number of invasive plant species, all fall under council management to some extent.

CANEGROWERS is also very active in this area, whether it be by applying for permits or baits, or by pushing state or federal governments for more assistance.

Therefore, council policies and procedures around biosecurity are very important to growers and should be part of any discussions you have with your local councillor.

The other major issue that councils are responsible for which affects growers is planning regulation.

In many areas urban and industrial encroachment on good farmland is a serious issue. The planning around these developments needs to be transparent and fair for the growers involved.

Also, renewable energy projects including solar and wind, and the infrastructure that supports them, need to balance the requirements of the local sugarcane industry. When land available for cane shrinks too much it can reduce mill viability, which has long term effects on the local community.

On another topic, this month’s magazine highlights the role of women in agriculture. It coincides with the launch of the National Farmers’ Federation’s Diversity in Agriculture Leadership program, which opens in March. I would encourage all female aspiring leaders to apply to be part of the program.

I would also like to note the passing of former CANEGROWERS director Tom Callow. Tom was a very forward thinker and liked to challenge the direction on every issue. He was strong advocate for the Fonterra model for our industry, in that growers control their own destiny with the whole of industry working together. I would like to pass on condolence to his wife Jan and all his family.