Last week, I attended the public hearing into Queensland�E��Es sugar cogeneration and bioenergy held in Townsville. Industry representatives from QCAR, Canegrowers, Burdekin Renewable Fuels, Burdekin Shire Council, Hinchinbrook Shire Council, Kalagro and Townsville Enterprise shared their experiences and ideas on how to expand bioenergy production and remove barriers to investment.

At the hearing, industry representatives put forward a range of options that are worthy of being explored, but importantly, they highlighted the significant barriers to future investment into diversification. Without meaningful government intervention and support, a sustainable biofuels industry has zero chance of ever getting off the ground. I�E��Ed like to see the State Government make legislative and regulatory changes that guarantee offtakes for biofuels and incentivise millers and growers to invest in electrical co-generation projects to help produce affordable dispatchable baseload power.

Contributed with thanks by Nick Dametto MP, Member for Hinchinbrook

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The Hinchinbrook Art Awards Return

Creativity is set to take centre stage once again as the Hinchinbrook Art Awards return in 2025, welcoming artists from across Australia! The awards offer emerging and established artists a chance to have their work seen and celebrated as part of Hinchinbrook�E��Es rich artistic tradition.

The winners will be announced during a special Awards Night on Friday, 14 November at 6:00pm, where the gallery will come alive with colour, conversation, and celebration of the arts. All submitted works will remain on display to the public until Friday, 19 December 2025, giving the community a chance to enjoy and be inspired by the diverse range of works on show.

Categories
OPEN AWARD ACQUISITIVE - All entries will be judged for the Open Award prize. The winning artwork of this award will be acquired by Council. $3,000.
LOCAL ARTIST AWARD - Automatic entry for local artists (unless already a winner in any other section). Must have residential status within Hinchinbrook Shire. $800.
INDIGENOUS ARTIST AWARD - Outstanding indigenous artist from any section. $400.
YOUTH AWARD �E��E Outstanding work from any section by an artist under 18 years. $400.
PEOPLE�E��ES CHOICE AWARD - Viewers vote. Votes counted after closure of competition. $400.

Sections
PAINTING (2D) - Any subject, any style in any medium - $350
WATER COLOUR - Traditional or contemporary water colour on any support or base - $350
MIXED MEDIA (2D) �E��E A combination of two/plus different media - $350
DIGITAL MEDIA �E��E Any subject, any style - $350
WORKS ON PAPER - Any subject, any medium - $350
PHOTOGRAPHY �E��E Any subject, any style - $350
CERAMICS �E��E Any method of construction - $350
SCULPTURAL FORM �E��E Any subject, any medium - $350

Sunrise 'A New Beginning' by Jeanette Jones, 45th Hinchinbrook Art Awards Open Winner. Image credit: TYTO Regional Art Gallery

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Spring has sprung in Ingham, and the Herbert River Orchid and Allied Plant Spring Show is back to brighten the season. Taking place over two days at Conroy Hall, 41 McIlwraith Street, the event is a must-visit for plant lovers and gardening enthusiasts alike.

Held over two days, attendees can browse sales tables filled with a variety of orchids and other plants, participate in the popular cent sale, and enjoy refreshments while soaking up the community atmosphere. The event is an ideal opportunity to meet fellow plant enthusiasts, share tips, and celebrate a shared passion for horticulture.

The first day runs from 8:00am to 5:00pm, while the second day is a shorter session from 8:00am to 12:00pm, showcasing the final day of the displays and offering one last chance to pick up unique plants. Entry is just $2, cash only.

Whether you�E��E�E���E��Ere a seasoned collector, looking for inspiration for your garden, a budding orchid grower, or simply someone who enjoys the beauty of flowers, the Herbert River Orchid and Allied Plant Spring Show promises a vibrant experience. Don�E��E�E���E��Et miss the chance to celebrate the season, discover new plants, and be part of Ingham�E��E�E���E��Es thriving plant community.

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After thousands of kilometres flown across the rugged heart of Australia, and countless laughs shared along the way, aviators Team Zic have claimed victory in the Red Planet Software Outback Air Race 2025. The 15-day adventure, which spanned more than 2,000 nautical miles from Yulara in the Northern Territory to Carnarvon in Western Australia, was not just a test of flying skills but a triumph of community spirit, perseverance, and generosity.

This year�E��Es race made history, with participants raising a record-breaking $1,001,918.19 for the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS), far surpassing the $750,000 target. The funds will go directly towards supporting vital medical services in regional, rural, and remote communities across Australia.

This year, it was Team Zic who flew into Carnarvon as champions, but every take-off, every landing, and every dollar raised marked a win for the RFDS and the communities it serves.

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In a gallery filled with vibrant colours, bold brushstrokes, and imaginative interpretations of birdlife, one painting quietly drew people in �E��E The Watcher by Lisa Bishop.

With its masterful depiction of the Tawny Frogmouth�E��Es natural camouflage and its signature sideways glance, the painting evoked a sense of intimacy and nostalgia.

The Watcher is more than a painting, it�E��Es a personal homage to the quiet observers of nature and a heartfelt nod to the bond she shared with her father.

�E��EA huge thank you to everyone who visited the exhibition, cast their votes, and supported our local and interstate artists.

The awards night, held on Friday, 1 August 2025, welcomed over 280 guests to celebrate a decade of the Birdlife Art Awards.

The event continues to shine a spotlight on the rich birdlife of the Hinchinbrook region, from the iconic TYTO Wetlands�E��Ehome to over 230 bird species�E��Eto the broader natural landscapes that inspire artists far and wide.

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A TRIBUTE TO PETER SHEAHAN, A RODEO MAN, A COMMUNITY CHAMPION

It was an absolute honour bestowed on me by the Ingham Sugar City Rodeo to present the committee�E��E�E���E��Es tribute to Peter Sheahan at the rodeo recently �E��E�E���E��E a man whose life was deeply woven into the fabric of our community and the sport he loved: rodeo.

Rodeo was more than a sport to Peter �E��E�E���E��E it was a way of life, a social connection, and a challenge he embraced alongside his commitment to farming.

Under his leadership, the committee helped establish the undercover arena and delivered some of the most successful and profitable rodeos our region has seen.

Peter�E��E�E���E��Es passion was shared by his beloved wife Jenny and children Kelly and Cody, who continued the tradition with their own families.

His contributions will be remembered, and his spirit will ride on in every young competitor who takes to the arena.

Thank you, Ingham Sugar City Rodeo, for the privilege.

Rest in peace, Peter.

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Hello Hinchinbrook residents,

A huge congratulations goes out to the Ingham Sugar City Rodeo committee for running such a great event that weekend, after the challenges of the February flood and not being able to run the event last year.

The event attracted a great crowd to come along and watch our local cowboys and cowgirls compete in the many events throughout the day.

It is always challenging for committees to organise and execute events such as this, and it is great to see that the Ingham community gets behind and supports such events, whether it be through sponsorship or just turning up to watch.

Volunteers in such committees are vital to such events�E��E�E���E��E success.

Today, we unfortunately don�E��E�E���E��Et have such volunteers who are flexible. Most people work a 9-to-5 job and find it difficult to commit to the time it takes to volunteer in such events.

Hopefully, this report may identify areas that may assist volunteers, committees, and organisations to be able to continue to bring new and existing events to the communities in which we live.

Next year, it is the 30th anniversary of the Ingham Sugar City Rodeo, and I have no doubt Hinchinbrook is already looking forward to it.

Until next time, residents, stay safe and be kind.

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Forrest Beach: Where the Sand Meets the Sweet Life

Once a sleepy seaside outpost, Forrest Beach is where the coast kicks back and the cane fields wave hello.

With golden sands on one side and sugarcane on the other, it�E��E�E���E��Es the ultimate blend of salty and sweet.

The Herbert River district is a cornerstone of Queensland’s sugar industry, producing significant economic value while sustaining generations of farming families. Central to this success are our harvesting contractors - skilled professionals who ensure cane is efficiently cut, transported, and delivered to mills during the critical crushing season. Recognising their pivotal role, Canegrowers Herbert River is taking proactive steps to understand and address the challenges faced by harvesting contractors in our region.

Currently, Canegrowers Herbert River is conducting a comprehensive survey of all harvesting contractors in the district. The aim is to identify the biggest challenges they face and to gain a clearer picture of the pressures and risks inherent to their operations. From rising finance and insurance costs, labour shortages, equipment maintenance, to delays in mill operations or logistics that affect their ability to perform their role efficiently, understanding the reality of these challenges is essential. This survey is a first step in gathering the insights needed to support contractors and safeguard the long-term viability of harvesting services in the region.

Once the survey is complete, Canegrowers Herbert River plans to establish a dedicated Working Group. This group will bring together key stakeholders, including contractors, growers, industry representatives, and relevant government agencies, to define issues more clearly and explore practical solutions. By creating a collaborative space for discussion and problem-solving, the Working Group will aim to develop strategies that not only address immediate risks but also strengthen the sustainability and resilience of harvesting operations in the Herbert River district.

The retention and attraction of harvesting contractors is critical to the ongoing health of the sugar industry. Contractors provide essential expertise, equipment, and manpower that keep the supply chain running smoothly. By understanding their pain points and actively seeking solutions, Canegrowers Herbert River aims to ensure contractors feel valued, supported, and equipped to continue their work. This initiative reflects a broader commitment to the principle that the industry thrives when all participants—growers, contractors, and supporting stakeholders—work together.

In the face of evolving challenges, the message is clear: Canegrowers Herbert River is dedicated to protecting and strengthening our harvesting workforce. By listening, collaborating, and innovating, we aim to retain the contractors who are vital to our industry and to create conditions that will encourage more skilled professionals to join this essential sector. The health of our industry depends on it, and together, we can ensure that the Herbert River remains a strong and productive sugar-growing region.

By Owen Menkens, Chairman, CANEGROWERS

Sugarcane has always been part of Queensland’s story. From the sunlit paddocks along our coastline the sweet scent of a mill in full crush, it’s hard to imagine our state without it.

But there’s a side to the industry that many people don’t see – how far our growers have come in making cane a world leader in sustainability.

This month we reached a milestone worth celebrating. Farms accredited through our Smartcane BMP program have now earned a rare triple tick from the three most respected international sustainability umpires – VIVE, Bonsucro and ProTerra.

In layman’s terms, this means independent global auditors have confirmed that Queensland cane is grown to the highest environmental and sustainability standards.

That recognition didn’t arrive by chance. It’s the result of years of effort by growers keeping detailed records, improving soil health, managing water carefully and refining how they farm.
Today almost half of Queensland’s cane area is managed under Smartcane BMP, and that number keeps climbing.

Why does this matter? Because major buyers – from soft drink companies to overseas refiners – are demanding proof their sugar comes from responsible sources.

Thanks to the dedication of our growers, Queensland cane can meet that test. In fact, we’re now one of the very few cane-growing regions on the planet able to offer this level of verified sustainability.

And it’s not just about the environment. Smartcane BMP helps farmers build stronger, more profitable businesses, which means healthier regional communities and a stronger state economy.
When Queensland sugarcane is recognised internationally, the benefits flow to everyone – from the workers in the mills to the small businesses in our towns.

So next time you stir a spoonful of sugar into your tea or coffee, think of the people behind it – the Queensland growers proving that you can farm sustainably and stay competitive on the global stage.

They deserve every bit of the pride we feel today.

As CANEGROWERS prepares to celebrate its centenary in 2026, the organisation is inviting the community to help build a unique photo collection that captures 100 years of cane country history.

Locals are encouraged to dig out their treasured sugarcane snapshots — from family moments on the farm to milestones in the industry — and share them on Facebook or by emailing info@canegrowers.com.au.

The collection will form part of a centenary showcase honouring the people and stories behind the sugarcane industry. Selected photographs may even feature in a special-edition 2026 Centenary Calendar, ensuring the region’s history is preserved and celebrated for generations to come.

Your photos could help tell the story of a century of cane country!

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The search is on for inspiring rural women to step forward, with applications now open for the 2026 AgriFutures Australia Rural Women’s Award.

The award recognises and celebrates inclusive and courageous leadership by women involved in Australia’s rural and emerging industries, businesses, and communities.

Queensland’s 2025 state winner and Chief Executive Officer of the Food and Agribusiness Network, Nicole McNaughton, said she encouraged all rural women to put themselves forward.

"The Rural Women’s Award has been a life-changing opportunity to grow and connect with like-minded, passionate and supportive women,” Ms McNaughton said.

"It's given me the opportunity to grow personally and professionally while connecting with an inspiring network of Queensland finalists – the inspiring Libby Cook-Black and Angie Nisbet.”

Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Deputy Director-General Biosecurity Rachel Chay said the awards are an important reminder of the crucial role women play in regional communities.

"We are so lucky in Queensland to have so many inspiring women in our communities who lead with strength and courage,” Ms Chay said.

"The DPI is pleased to support the 2026 AgriFutures Australia Rural Women’s Award – not only to recognise and celebrate the amazing women leading in our rural communities, but to equip them with the resources to bring their boldest and most innovative ideas to life.”

As part of her win, Ms McNaughton received a $15,000 grant from Westpac to further her work and will represent Queensland at the 2025 National Gala in Canberra on Tuesday, the 28th of October.

"I’m excited for the upcoming National Gala – it's a chance to reconnect with my fellow state winners, celebrate the strength of rural women, and proudly fly the flag for Queensland. This journey has re-energised my passion for building ecosystems where women support one another,” Ms McNaughton said.

Westpac, the award’s platinum sponsor for more than 15 years, will provide a $20,000 grant to the National winner and $15,000 to the runner-up. Queensland finalists also benefit from the support of state sponsor, the Queensland Country Women’s Association, which provides a $2,000 grant to each finalist, alongside access to professional development and alumni networks.

For women not quite ready to apply for the award, AgriFutures also offers a $7,000 Rural Women’s Acceleration Grant to support leadership and development opportunities.

Applications for both the 2026 Rural Women’s Award and Rural Women’s Acceleration Grant close on Friday, the 7th of November 2025. Follow the links to Apply!

• https://agrifutures.com.au/opportunities/acceleration-grant/
• https://agrifutures.com.au/opportunities/rural-womens-award/

Water and fertiliser are two of the biggest costs – and opportunities – for cane farmers, and new insights are highlighting how the two are closely linked.

According to Farmacist agronomists, irrigation scheduling can play a decisive role in whether nitrogen fertiliser is effectively used by the crop or lost through run-off, leaching or denitrification.

With sugarcane heavily reliant on nitrogen for growth, ensuring the nutrient remains in the root zone is vital. Poorly timed irrigations risk washing valuable fertiliser away before the cane has a chance to use it.

Tools such as the GDot soil moisture sensor are proving to be a simple yet effective way for growers to fine-tune irrigation timing. By monitoring soil moisture, farmers can better match water applications to crop needs, reducing stress on cane while improving fertiliser efficiency.

Farmacist says the benefits extend beyond productivity. Smarter irrigation not only helps keep nitrogen where it belongs but also reduces environmental losses, supporting both economic and sustainability outcomes for the industry.

“By aligning irrigation with crop demand, growers can make every drop of water – and every kilogram of nitrogen – work harder for them,” the article notes.

With the Queensland farming regions so dependent on irrigation, adopting these strategies offers significant potential to lift yields while lowering costs and protecting waterways.

For more information, visit: farmacist.com.au/blog/nitrogen-management-and-irrigation-scheduling.

Artificial intelligence is set to play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of agriculture, and an upcoming Sugar Research Australia (SRA) webinar will explore just how transformative that potential could be.

The free online event, AI-guided breeding to develop future crops, will be held on Friday, 10 October at 2pm (AEST), bringing together leading voices in the field to discuss the opportunities of applying AI to plant breeding.

Guest presenter Professor Lee Hickey from the University of Queensland will outline how artificial intelligence can harness large and complex datasets across four key stages of the breeding pipeline, accelerating the development of more resilient and productive crops.

The session will also highlight the importance of capacity building and training, ensuring the next generation of plant breeders are equipped with predictive breeding skills that will shape Australia’s agricultural future.

Webinar chair Dr Nathalie Piperidis of SRA said the event would offer practical insights into how digital tools can enhance traditional breeding methods.

“The pace of technological change in agriculture is rapid, and this webinar is a chance to hear from experts at the forefront of using AI to solve real-world breeding challenges,” she said.

The presentation will conclude with an overview of the Australian Research Council Training Centre in Predictive Breeding, a national initiative focused on advancing skills and innovation in this space.

For details and to register, visit sugarresearch.com.au/webinars

Simon Hood, Wilmar Manager Grower Marketing

A final reminder to growers regarding the Global Traders Roadshow featuring Wilmar’s Senior Sugar Trader Peter Bingham. Peter is currently in India attending the Indian Sugar Mills Association (ISMA) convention, which means he will bring the very latest insights into Indian crop developments and ethanol policy for the year ahead. With India’s production forecast rising sharply this season, the country’s decisions around exports and ethanol could play a crucial role in shaping sugar prices for the tail end of the 2025 season pricing period.

With the weather cooperating and the mills running well, the end of season could be upon us before we know it. We’re already fielding enquiry from growers about their pricing status with the GEI Sugar they have delivered so far to determine whether they can confidently start pricing their GMPRS orders. To support this process, we have developed a new exposure monitoring tool to give growers clearer visibility of their position and help manage final pricing decisions as the season winds down.

As always, if growers are concerned about their final estimated delivery against pricing commitments please talk to your local Relationship Manager as soon as possible. We have options to deal with production shortfalls and the sooner we identify a potential issue the more flexibility we have in managing it.

On the global stage, #11 sugar prices continue to languish while the Brazilian crush powers ahead. A record 55 per cent sugar mix in the latest UNICA report has analysts revising their final Brazilian sugar production number higher. However, ethanol parity continues to ratchet higher with current estimates above 16 USc/lb.

The next couple of UNICA reports will be interesting to see if there is a switch back from sugar with ethanol stocks low in Brazil. A stronger AUD driven by a weak USD is adding to the uphill battle the AUD sugar swap price is facing.

I look forward to seeing you at our Global Traders Roadshow next week and introducing you to our expanding team. RSVP’s close this week so if you would like to attend, please contact your local Grower Marketing Relationship Manager to secure your spot.