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
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National 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.
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Each 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
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The 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 storyBy Simon Hood, Wilmar Manager Grower Marketing
It’s great to see the 2025 production season off to an early start, with crushing under way in the Burdekin and Plane Creek regions, and the Herbert commencing this week. The weather continues to cooperate, and we hope that remains the case so all regions can get sugar into the sheds.
The #11 sugar contract continues to trend lower, with little change in the global surplus production forecast. The recent UNICA report for the first half of May 2025 showed Brazilian harvest progress catching up, though it remains 20% behind the same period last year.
Cane tonnes and sugar mix have increased, but Total Recoverable Sugar (CCS) remains low. The report aligned with market expectations. However, a 5.6% drop in gasoline prices by Petrobras halted a rally, as ethanol parity fell below 15 USc/lb.
We are forecasting a small global surplus for the 2025–26 season, mainly due to another large Brazilian crop expected. Indian production also looks strong, supported by an early monsoon, with forecasts of 32.5 million tonnes for 2025–26, up from 26 million in 2024–25. In Thailand, weak cassava prices are likely to result in another bumper crop, reinforcing export competition.
Our 2025 Season Commencement of Crush Pool reports were released last week. Notably, the Allocation Account forecast is significantly lower than last year due to a drop in physical premiums. This reflects increased Thai production impacting our sales into traditional Asian markets.
Additionally, the US Quota estimate has been reduced for both the 2024 and 2025 seasons, with import tariffs now factored in. It’s still early in the season, but growers should be aware that the strong physical premiums of recent years are under threat.
Across the regions, we’ve been connecting with growers at events such as the inaugural Link2Country Expo in Ingham, and the Sweet Days, Hot Nights Festival and Australian Hand Cane Cutting Championships in the Burdekin.
Our Burdekin Relationship Manager, Fiona Villis, presented the Under 35 Category awards at the Cane Cutting Championships, proudly sponsored by Wilmar Sugar and Renewables.
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