James Cook University (JCU) researchers are calling for urgent government support to protect the spectacled flying-fox from extinction as new and escalating threats push the species closer to the brink. Despite their reputation as noisy and messy neighbours, spectacled flying-foxes play a vital role in the survival of Australia’s rainforests, travelling vast distances to pollinate flowers and spread seeds at levels unmatched by any other species. JCU adjunct associate professor Noel Preece sai
Read the full storyNational Police Remembrance Day Today, the community of Ingham came together to pay tribute to the brave men and women of the Queensland Police Service who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. The National Police Remembrance Day Service, held at the Holy Trinity Anglican Church, offered a solemn and poignant moment for reflection, remembrance, and respect. Since 1861, 151 Queensland Police officers have lost their lives while protecting and serving communities across the state.
Read the full storyEach year, a team of Hinchinbrook Emergency Services Cadets travels to Brisbane to attend the prestigious ESCAPE Week, a program that brings together cadets from across Queensland to experience life at multiple emergency services. This year, three Hinchinbrook cadets participated: two senior cadets attending as leaders and one as a program participant, accompanied by Cadet Coordinator Mark Regazzoli. The week kicked off at Marine Rescue Queensland (MRQ), Bribie Island, where cadets underwent an
Read the full storyThe Hurley Bus Since launching in December last year, the Hurley Bus has already completed more than 400 bookings, providing free transport for elderly, frail, and palliative community members. The service, run entirely by volunteers through the Ingham Palliative Carers Committee, offers a safe, reliable, and compassionate way for people to stay connected and attend important appointments. The eight-seat bus is wheelchair accessible and travels throughout Ingham, the surrounding districts, Card
Read the full storyThe growing season rolls on, and the weather gods continue to throw curveballs to sugarcane growers.
After a relatively dry period following the February onslaught, the recent rain events may well cause a further downgrade in crop expectations.
The southern Wilmar crushing regions would appear to be a beneficiary of rain, however, the Burdekin and Herbert regions are looking for some sunshine to get the crop growing again.
With crop estimates released in early April, it is important for growers to cross-check that their GEI-nominated cane tonnes are aligned with their mill crush estimate.
The sugar market continues to find export support on price dips and scale-up trade selling on market rallies. This sideways trading pattern may well continue until the harvesters roll into the Brazilian crop in April.
In general, analysts are pulling back their forecast for Brazil as dry weather persists, and a delayed harvest will increase anxiety in the market as export stock levels are always low at this time of the year. The Indian harvest is nearing completion, with Wilmar estimates of 26.3M tonnes of sugar looking to be very close to final production.
The AUD continues to be bounced around by a gyrating USD reacting to the latest policy changes in the US. The risk of an escalated global trade war through reciprocal tariff hikes bodes poorly for the AUD. In addition, the recent Australian employment data suggests that the jobs market may be weakening, which could open the door for further rate cuts from the RBA. This should also keep the AUD under pressure.
In more positive news, we will be hosting information sessions ahead of the start of the 2025 crush to update growers on the sugar market and how marketing with Wilmar can benefit them.
Those attending will also get the opportunity to meet our new consultant, who will be taking over from Angus McKerrow in Plane Creek after his seven years of service to the region.
If you’re interested in attending an information session near you, please complete the registration form or contact your local consultant.