QCAR Strategic Planning Workshop: Shaping the Future of the Sugarcane Industry
Recently, QCAR convened a strategic planning workshop in Townsville from February 1-2, focusing on key areas such as renewable energy, food production, plastics, bio-fuels, industry training, and improved farm management practices. Attended by approximately 25 stakeholders from the Burdekin, Herbert, and Mackay regions, the workshop aimed to address critical issues and opportunities facing the sugarcane industry.
The significance of the workshop lay in its role in propelling the organisation forward and facilitating discussions on industry challenges and member priorities. Beyond renewable energy initiatives, deliberations centred around overcoming obstacles related to supplying cane to mills, maximising farmer incomes, and exploring avenues for industry growth and expansion. Plans were also discussed to expand skill and training opportunities for the next generation of farmers, alongside efforts to advocate for policy changes that support the industry’s sustainability and growth.
Sugarcane Fueling & Powering The Future
Looking ahead, QCAR remains focused on setting a clear vision and direction to enhance the value proposition for both existing and future members, thereby ensuring the continued prosperity and sustainability of the industry. Notably, since the workshop, there have been significant developments in the industry, including the announcement of a $300 million Sustainability Aviation Fuel (SAF) plant in Townsville by Jet Zero Australia and LanzaJet. This groundbreaking project, a collaboration between LanzaJet, Qantas, Jet Zero, and Airbus, aims to utilise sugarcane crops for bio-fuel production, positioning the industry as a pioneer in sustainable aviation.
Project Ulysses, a North Queensland SAF project, will utilise LanzaJet’s Alcohol-to-Jet technology to convert bio-ethanol into SAF and renewable diesel, potentially meeting the annual jet fuel demands for Cairns and Townsville airports. Construction on the plant is slated to commence this year, marking a significant milestone in the industry’s journey towards sustainability and innovation.
Continuing AgForce Collaboration
In addition to these developments, QCAR is pleased to announce the continuation of its collaboration with AgForce, focusing on promoting mutual membership benefits exclusively through AgForce Cane Limited (ACL). This strategic partnership underscores QCAR’s dedication to enhancing grower value through a unified approach, advocating for each other’s memberships to grant growers access to a broader array of resources, support, and networking opportunities. Together, QCAR and AgForce are committed to forging a more cohesive and resilient agricultural industry, envisioning a future where growers flourish and communities thrive.
Do We Go Back to Monday-Friday Harvesting?
As we reflect on the industry’s evolution, it is essential to consider the impact of continuous crushing on local sugarcane towns. QCAR encourages stakeholders to reflect on past practices and explore opportunities for a more balanced schedule, fostering the well-being of all involved. By working together towards a productive and prosperous future for our farming communities, we can ensure the continued success and sustainability of the sugarcane industry.
We are determined to move forward with a plan that aligns with the modern-day needs of the sugar industry. Our goal is to ensure that QCAR remains relevant and proactive in addressing the challenges and opportunities facing our members
Charles Quagliata, QCAR Chair
Burdekin
Following the passage of ex-Tropical Cyclone Kirrily, initial inspections across sugarcane paddocks in the Herbert and Burdekin regions reveal approximately 5% of the crop has experienced damage. QCAR Chair, Charles Quagliata, and the QCAR team have been actively assessing the impact in the field, engaging with growers, members, and other agencies. While there are reports of lodged and snapped cane, QCAR Senior Technical Officer Lawrence Di Bella notes that the damage could have been more severe, but setbacks are still expected. Growers are advised to monitor the recovery of their crops closely, with assistance available from QCAR’s technical team.
Despite the lodging and snapping of cane, local growers were prepared for the cyclone’s impact, taking measures to minimise damage. While flooding was not a significant issue, the lack of accompanying rainfall following the cyclone has posed challenges for recovery. Although there have been no reports of damage to Wilmar Sugar Mills in the Herbert and Burdekin, the aftermath of the cyclone highlights the resilience required in the sugar cane industry. Looking ahead, QCAR remains committed to supporting growers through recovery efforts and ensuring the industry’s continued prosperity.
Herbert
QCAR Herbert River Members Engage in Insightful Industry Sessions and Equipment Demos
QCAR Herbert River members gathered for an insightful Wilmar Marketing Information Session on February 20, 2024, hosted at the Ingham office. The session featured presentations by industry experts including:
- Simon Hood, Manager of Grower Marketing,
- Mark Greenwood, Commercial Manager of Wilmar Sugar, and
- Franco Zaini, Senior Grower Marketing Consultant.
Topics covered during the session included allocation account performance, pool performance, market analysis, and a recap of pricing mechanisms.
In addition to the Wilmar session, members had the opportunity to participate in Tracpower NQ Pty LTD Ingham’s Deutz-Fahr Open & Demo Day on February 22nd and 23rd. This event provided valuable insights into the latest agricultural equipment and technologies, enhancing our members’ understanding of innovative farming practices.
