From Pioneering Hardship To Modern Strength: Herbert River CANEGROWERS Mark A Century

From Pioneering Hardship To Modern Strength: Herbert River CANEGROWERS Mark A Century

By Steph Ruggieri

Long before modern machinery and global markets, the Herbert River sugar industry was shaped by resilience, uncertainty and the determination of those who worked the land.

From the early 1870s, when the first plantations were established near what is now Ingham, growers faced relentless challenges. Crops were devastated by pests and disease, sugar prices fluctuated wildly, and extreme weather events tested the survival of farming families. Labour shortages during World War II and earlier upheavals in the industry added further strain to an already demanding livelihood.  

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Yet through every challenge, the strength of the local industry has been its people, and their ability to stand together.  

What began as a practical response to these pressures ultimately led to the formation of the Queensland Cane Growers’ Association in 1926. Built on cooperation and a determination to secure fair outcomes for growers, it laid the foundations for what would become CANEGROWERS - a grower-led organisation committed to collective action and shared purpose.  

Over the past century, the sugar industry has changed dramatically. Markets have globalised, ownership structures have evolved and regulatory frameworks have shifted. Yet the core reason CANEGROWERS exists has remained constant: wherever imbalance exists in the industry, growers need collective representation.  

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CANEGROWERS Herbert River Chairman Steven Marbelli said the centenary comes at a time when growers are once again facing significant pressures, reinforcing the same principles that led to the organisation’s formation.  

“While the challenges may look different today, the need for a strong, collective voice has never been more important,” Mr Marbelli said.

“CANEGROWERS was established because, wherever challenge exists in the industry, growers need to stand together to be heard. That necessity is still what defines us today.”  

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He said the sugar industry had continued to evolve over time, but the underlying purpose of the organisation remained unchanged.

“We are seeing real impacts on-farm from global supply chain disruptions, particularly around fuel and fertiliser availability and cost,” he said.

“These are not distant issues. They are already influencing the decisions growers are making right now, with flow-on effects for production, profitability and the broader regional economy.”

Mr Marbelli said CANEGROWERS continues to work across industry and government to ensure growers’ voices are heard and their needs are addressed in a rapidly changing environment.

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Tickets on sale now for the Centenary Gala Dinner – 9 May 2026!

The milestone will be celebrated at a Centenary Gala Dinner on Saturday 9 May 2026 at the Gilroy Santa Maria College Hall in Ingham, commencing from 5:30pm. The evening, hosted by Member for Hinchinbrook, Wayde Chiesa, will feature guest speakers and a showcase of historical photographs and memorabilia highlighting the evolution of the local industry.  

Tickets are $75 per person, including dinner and drinks, and are available through the CANEGROWERS office or online at www.trybooking.com/DKBTC

As the Herbert River sugar industry looks to the future, the centenary serves as a reminder that while times have changed, the foundation of unity and resilience remains as strong as ever.  We look forward to celebrating with members past and present, and the wider community.

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