The Bundaberg District Canegrower Volume 15, Issue 6

The Bundaberg District Canegrower

Volume 15, Issue 6 June 2019

Chairman’s Comment

he weather still hasn't been kind morning and ceasing at 12 midnight Federal Election T with little or no rain recorded. Just each Saturday night, which is 140 hours Congratulations to both Keith Pitt and 10 to 20mm fell last weekend, I suppose and a target of 44,000 tonnes/week . Ken O'Dowd on their re-election for it all helps but will do little for this another term in the federal election. We year’s crop and certainly won't fill dams Bingera in five (5) day mode look forward to working closely with or recharge the underground. In most commencing at 8am each Monday you both for the benefit of our members. cases allocations will be down on last morning and ceasing at 8am each Commiserations to all other candidates. year in the underground and the surface Saturday morning, which is 120 hours scheme is yet to be determined. and a target of 35,000 tonnes/week. There is still a lot happening on the political front in both state and federal 2019 Season Therefore we should finish in late arenas, with the environment and energy In just three (3) weeks time the 2019 October if all goes to plan. Weekend dominating. Water is also not far season will begin, weather permitting. In overtime allowance will be paid on all behind. what I would describe as a growing cane crushed on weekends at $1.49/ season that we would rather forget, we tonne. The haulage allowance has Further Regulation of have an estimate of around 1.2 million increased by CPI and is illustrated in the Sugarcane Growers in the tonnes. A disappointing total to say the table below. There is no continuous crushing allowance this season. Burnett Mary Catchments is least from what promised to be an unjustifiable improvement on the 2018 season. We CPI adjustment Start 1.30% I am advised that it is unfortunately have no control on the Variation unlikely that Environmental weather (I believe it was the driest Distance (metres) $/tonne $/tonne to last Protection (Great Barrier summer for 60 years) and with out-of- From - To 2018 2019 season Reef Protection Measures) control irrigation costs we have this and Other Legislation result. Next year will surely be better. 0 1,000 0.00 0.00 0.00 Amendment Bill will be 1,000 2,000 0.55 0.56 0.01 considered by the Both mills will start on 1 July with 2,000 3,000 0.83 0.84 0.01 Parliament Millaquin crushing in six (6) day mode 3,000 4,000 1.10 1.11 0.01 before August. On page commencing at 4am each Monday 4,000 5,000 1.38 1.40 0.02 4 we have copied an email 5,000 6,000 1.65 1.67 0.02 that was sent to the Premier and the Qld Legislative 6,000 7,000 1.93 1.96 0.03 Assembly. 7,000 8,000 2.20 2.23 0.03

8,000 9,000 2.48 2.51 0.03 In terms of gross value added, employment and 9,000 10,000 2.75 2.79 0.04 Action List business numbers, the 10,000 Plus 3.03 3.07 0.04 Bundaberg region has a much  One-eye sett orders - if you are greater reliance on intending to purchase/try The opportunity to change harvest Agriculture (13%) than Queensland as a whole (approx 3.4%). This reliance on these please return order form grouping for 2019 closed about two (2) months ago. I know you will all have agribusiness means that any negative ASAP. them in order. Ample communication impact on our farmers’ ability to was made to everyone earlier so no one generate the crops and products that  Spring 2019 whole-stalk order would be disappointed. they produce has a much greater impact forms will be posted soon. on our community than in other areas.

(Continued on page 2)

Page 1 Bundaberg CANEGROWERS Ltd Newsletter Phone (07) 4151 2555 Fax: (07) 4153 1986 Email: [email protected] The Bundaberg District Canegrower Volume 15, Issue 6

Chairman’s Comment continued

(Continued from page 1) If you would like to access these Cane Firing Notice There is absolutely no environmental arrangements please call Dale so that he Growers may have already seen justification to further regulate the area, can put you in touch with the relevant information about the new Cane Firing and given the downside economic officer. Notice. There is an article on page 3 consequences to an area that relies so summarising the Notice as well as the heavily on agriculture for jobs, it is SunWater Carryover by 26 June insert in this newsletter. The conditions inconceivable that the Government A reminder to all SunWater customers listed in the Notice only refer to the appears to be pressing on with the to submit their carryover requests by 26 notice and as such if you are unable to introduction of these regulations June. We have some forms at the comply with the Notice growers are still regardless of the impact. counter or you can download one from able to get a permit from the local fire here: https://www.sunwater.com.au/wp- warden to burn cane, trash and tops. We are engaging with politicians on content/uploads/2018/12/ both sides of the fence. Interestingly we Carryover_Form_-_Bundaberg.pdf Trash have had approaches from within the Oreco are keen to commence baling Palaszczuk government suggesting that Chain of Responsibility 2019 Season trash as soon as the they are supportive of our request to Growers are reminded that under the crushing commences. Arrangements for delay implementation of this legislation Chain of Responsibility Laws for Heavy baling will remain unchanged from the in the Burnett and Southern Catchments Vehicles, that any person who has 2018 Season which ran relatively until a thorough independent audit of the influence along the supply chain may be smoothly. Payment for last season’s science has been conducted. Hopefully responsible for any laws that are trash has been received in monthly they will have some influence on their breached. The best way to discharge or instalments as planned, with just one colleagues lower the level of responsibility is for outstanding instalment which is due for easy to understand contracts to be in settlement in June. We have requested a QCA Final report place which states who is responsible CPI price increase for 2019 and are The QCA has handed down its final for what roles in the operation. These waiting for Oreco’s response. report with recommendations for lower include but are not limited to fatigue electricity tariffs, including for tariff 11 management, overloading and vehicle 2019 Soys to fall by 4.4 per cent, and small dimension. Copies are available upon Soybean and Peanut crops are almost businesses on tariff 20 to fall by 5.8 per request at reception. finished being harvested this season. cent. Tariff 33 is recommended to fall Good prices for both have been 8.4%. QCA have recommended that Increase in dump fees due to reported. Soybean in the high $800's and T62, T65 and T66 be left at the same New Waste Levy Peanuts are in the low $1000's. Both rate. The new State Government Waste Levy crops have also been affected by the

begins on 1 July and there will be new weather conditions. Quality and yield The QCA has also recommended to charges on any waste products that go to are in some cases down but they are close T62, T65 and T66 (transitional landfill at the local transfer or waste providing a much needed positive cash and obsolete) tariffs to new customers stations. The levy does not apply to flow. from 1 July 2019. recyclable materials or solid household

waste and so there is an opportunity to Insurance It is up to the Qld Government to accept reduce the charges by separating the The end of financial year is fast or reject these recommendations. various waste into waste and recycling approaching and it may be timely to

products. Growers are urged to use the review your insurance requirements. If you need help in reviewing your facilities to reduce the level of waste on Please contact the office to arrange for tariffs please contact Courtney at the their farms before the new charges come our Insurance Regional Manager Ray office on 4151 2555. into effect. Goodwin to carry out a professional

SunWater Hardship Policy review of your current insurance cover.

We have spoken to SunWater on behalf Allan Dingle of some individual growers and they are Chairman willing to look at deferred payments and payment plans.

Page 2 The Bundaberg District Canegrower Volume 15, Issue 6

Update to Cane Fire Notice for burning tops and trash

Changes The weather conditions and smoke CANEGROWERS. There have been some recent changes to hazard signs do go together as no the Notice for Burning Sugar Cane in burning is to be conducted if the smoke To access a permit or find out about consultation with the sugar industry. The is to become a hazard on local and main the type of road that neighbours a Cane Burning Notification enables roads as well as highways. A smoke property growers to burn cane and or tops without hazard sign is to be erected if the area to The best way to find the correct fire requiring a permit provided certain be burnt adjoins or is within 100m of a warden for a grower’s farm is to access conditions are met. If these conditions road of any description. fire warden finder on https:// are unable to be met growers are still www.ruralfire.qld.gov.au/Pages/ able to access a permit from their In regards to people and equipment there fw_finder.aspx. This website provides local fire warden as they have done in needs to be three (3) people who are the phone number of the fire warden as the past to burn their cane. Growers’ capable of fighting the fire and who are well as identifying whether the road is a who meet the conditions of the in communication with each other. The highway, main road or local road notification are able to access a permit if minimum equipment required is a water according to the QFES to assist they desire. tanker to access and extinguish a fire as determining whether a fire can be lit well as a vehicle or equipment suitable under the Notice or whether a permit is There are four (4) situations that enable for creating a bare earth firebreak. required. growers to use the notification, each involving the property being surrounded Still recommended If growers are unable to comply with by other cane farms, what Queensland Growers contact Firecom on 1800 354 the new Notice they are still able to Rural Fire Service is deeming local 621 before any fire whether it is under get a permit to burn from their local roads, has small land parcels (less 2,000 the Notice or a permit to assist QFES warden and follow the conditions of square meters, approx half an acre) and with calls from the public. the permit to burn cane, trash and local roads on the boundary or other tops. rural land provided there is a 10m buffer Neighbours are notified of growers’ and the owner provides written intention to burn at the beginning of the Smoke Hazard permission. Full details of this can be season and again prior to the burn so In order to avoid hazards from smoke found in the insert “Cane Burning they can make preparations to minimise which is generally at its worst when Notification”. the impact of smoke and ash. Bundaberg burning trash blanket after green cane Area Director Bruce Thompson has harvesting, it is recommended that: Other details that are separation of burn offered the resources of QFES Rural  Post harvest burning of trash blanket and other flammable material, weather Fire Division to assist with keeping the except in the most exceptional conditions are observed, smoke hazard community informed. Contact with the circumstances be avoided; signs are used when appropriate and Bundaberg office can be made via  The trash blanket is left for at least a suitable people and equipment are 41546120 and a request for a week to dry out and then back burn present and available. community message can be posted slowly; indicating an approximate time for  Obtain weather forecasts, particularly Under the separation rules it is required burning and any issues potential such as wind direction and strength before under the notice that there is vehicular smoke across a road. In situations where burning; access clear of flammable material, that farms neighbour a large number of  Ensure that correct signage is placed the burning of tops and trash have a residences, provided there is enough on public roads. minimum of 10m buffer from other notice, the Bundaberg Rural Fire flammable material, the small parcel of Brigade may be able to use its’ A guide to the application of the land neighbouring the farm and the other community resource to notify the Queensland Fire and Rescue Authority neighbouring rural land situation have a neighbours. Sample letters of an Act for the sugarcane industry, is buffer of at least 10m free from intention to apply for a fire permit and available from Bundaberg flammable material. intention to burn are available at CANEGROWERS and on the reception of Bundaberg CANEGROWERS website. How to check your employee’s driver licence status

id you know that you can check if need the: evidence of the licence holder’s D a Queensland driver licence is  Driver licence number authority to drive. current by using the Queensland  Licence holder’s first and last name Transport online service found at https://  Licence holder’s date of birth The service only checks the status of a www.service.transport.qld.gov.au/ driver licence. It will not check the checkdriverlicencestatus The service is intended for use by the driver licence class or type, or any special conditions imposed on the Page 3 licence holder, or persons who have To check the status of a licence you will been provided the driver licence as licence. The Bundaberg District Canegrower Volume 15, Issue 6

Email to The Premier

From: Dale Holliss Sent: Tuesday, 28 May 2019 12:07 PM To: [email protected] Cc: Aaron Harper; Andrew Powell; ; ; Anthony Lynham; Anthony Perrett; Barry O'Rourke; Bart Mellish; Brent Mickelberg; ; ; Charis Mullen; ; Christopher Whiting; ; Coralee O'Rourke; Corrine McMillan; Craig Crawford; ; ; ; Daniel Purdie; David Batt; ; ; Deborah Frecklington; Dianne Farmer; Donald Brown; Duncan Pegg; Edward Sorensen; ; Glenn Butcher; ; Jacklyn Trad; James Lister; James Madden; James McDonald; Janet Stuckey; ; Jason Costigan; Jennifer Howard; Jessica Pugh; ; Jo-ann Miller; John-Paul Langbroek; Jonathan Krause; Joseph Kelly; ; Kate Jones; Kim Richards; Lachlan Millar; ; ; ; ; ; ; Mark McArdle; Mark Robinson; Mark Ryan; Martin Hunt; ; Melissa McMahon; ; ; Michael De Brenni; Michael Hart; Michael Healy; Nicholas Dametto; ; Patrick Weir; ; Raymond Stevens; Robert Katter; Robert Molhoek; Rosslyn Bates; Samuel O'Connor; Sandra Bolton; Scott Stewart; ; ; ; Simone Wilson; ; Stephen Bennet; Steven Miles; Steven Minnikin; ; Timothy Mander; Timothy Nicholls; Trevor Watts; Yvette D'Ath

Subject: Further Regulation of Sugarcane growers in the Burnett Mary Catchments is unjustifiable:

Dear Premier,

Following the advice from the Innovation, Tourism Development and Environment Committee whereby the committee recommended the Environmental Protection (Great Barrier Reef Protection Measures) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2019 be passed unchanged, I and many others were extremely disappointed that our views have been summarily dismissed.

The recommendations of the scientific taskforce were based on modelling and assumptions.

I recently asked Dr Peter Ridd; “Is there technology available that would monitor local water quality on the reef to measure the real impact of run off? “

His answer follows:

Dear Dale,

For Sediment the answer is yes, and it has been available for 25 years (we invented it) and it has been deployed at many dozens of sites and taken tens of millions of readings and the results show that the main reef matrix, where 99% of the corals live, are utterly unaffected by sediment. Sampling for sediment on the main reef matrix shows that there is almost zero sediment from the land on those reefs.

For Nutrients: This is harder to measure, but has been measured by UV Fluorescence and water bottle samples and the results indicate that the water quality for the main reef matrix, where 99% of the corals live, is indistinguishable from the water quality of the pristine clear Pacific Ocean outside the reef. The water quality of the main reef matrix is determined by the Pacific Ocean waters, not by the relatively tiny effect of the rivers.

Pesticides: This can't be measured yet with automatic samplers, but water bottle samples show that pesticides are generally in such low concentrations on the main reef matrix, where 99% of the corals live, that they can't even be measured with the most sensitive equipment.

The results from all the sampling show that the effect of rivers is very very short lived, affects a tiny fraction of the reefs, and in very small concentrations. Despite this the scientists will publicise pictures of the very few occasions when the flood plumes touch the reef, and forget to say that this rarely happens, affects a tiny fraction of the reef, and that the concentrations are very small.

Peter

(Continued on page 5)

Page 4 The Bundaberg District Canegrower Volume 15, Issue 6

(Continued from page 4) I question whether the Scientific Consensus Statement is solid enough for the Palaszczuk Government to justify the proposed regulation and ultimately destroy the environmental cooperation of the agricultural sector in the southern region.

This is extremely regrettable given the minimal priority associated with all three contaminants in our region. (See below)

Because of the southerly movement of water in the East Australian Current, runoff water from the Burnett Mary catchments CANNOT impact the reef and islands of the southern section of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, because prevailing water currents move in the opposite direction.

We request that the government delay implementation of this legislation in the Burnett and Southern Catchments until a thorough independent audit of the science has been conducted.

Regards Dale Holliss Manager NFF 2030 Leaders Program applications now open

he National Farmers’ Federation "The ARLF has a proven track record of over the age of 18, who can demonstrate T (NFF), in conjunction with the developing leaders within our sector, an active involvement in agriculture (not Australian Rural Leadership Foundation which makes them an ideal partner to limited to farming) to apply. (ARLF), is pleased to announce that the guide participants through this program. 2019 application round of the NFF 2030 The program will run over two session Leaders Program is now open. "The eleven successful participants will in Canberra between September and develop their leadership capabilities in October 2019. "The NFF recognises that if agriculture critical thinking, persuasion and is to realise its bold vision for a $100 influence, negotiation, facilitation, and Applications close Tuesday, 2 July billion industry by 2030, we must communication across a range of 2019. support and develop our smart, scenarios. passionate and agile young leaders," Visit https://farmers.org.au/nff-2030- NFF Chief Executive Tony Mahar said. "Upon completion of the program, leaders-program-2019-application-form/ participants will gain entry into the NFF for more information or to apply. Mr Mahar said the NFF, supported by and ARLF alumni, providing ongoing ARLF, sought to develop participants' peer support across the sector, and The NFF 2030 Leaders Program has understanding of the shared leadership access to further opportunities as they been made possible by the Department challenges and opportunities faced by arise," Mr Mahar said. of Agriculture and Water Resources’ Australian agriculture. Leadership in Agricultural Industries The NFF encourages all individuals, Fund.  Page 5 The Bundaberg District Canegrower Volume 15, Issue 6 Indicative Groundwater Entitlement he Department of Natural Resources groundwater staff gave a Elliott - Gregory & Farnsfield Sub-areas T presentation as to what the INDICATIVE Announced Zone Location Current Indicative Change Current Entitlements (AE) might be for the water year commencing on 1 July Group AE for AE for water level 2019. 2018/19 2019/20 trends 21 Elliott River 100% 65% -35% Gradual This was requested by the Groundwater Advisory Committee so that South/ decline, now irrigators could plan their program. The announced entitlement’s are Coonarr Rd stable summarised below by Zone Group. Please note that this is indicative only and the actual AE will be announced towards the end of June. 22 Coonarr 95% 85% -10% Falling South

Kolan - Burnett Sub-areas 23 Kinkuna NP 100% 100% 0% Falling Zone Location Current AE Indicative Change Current water 24 Mahogany 95% 85% -10% Falling, now Group for 2018/19 AE for level trends Creek South levelling off 2019/20 25 Kinkuna/ 100% 100% 0% Falling 1 Moore Park 80% 55% -25% Gradual rise, Woodgate now stable 26 Goodwood 65% 70% 5% Rising, now 2 Fairymead 80% 50% -30% Stable levelling off Mill 27 North 80% 70% -10% Gradual 3 Booyan 90% 75% -15% Gradual Gregory decline decline, now East stable 29 North 100% 100% 0% Falling 4 Gooburrum 95% 85% -10% Falling Gregory 5 North 75% 40% -35% Gradual 30 Turpentine 65% 60% -5% Stable Bundaberg decline 31 North 95% 85% -10% Falling 6 Welcome 100% 90% -10% Gradual Gregory Ck/ decline West Meadowvale 32 Elliott 95% 95% 0% Gradual 7 Moorland 80% 60% -20% Steady Forestry decline North 33 Farnsfield 100% 100% 0% Falling 8 Moorland 90% 85% -5% Falling North South 34 Farnsfield 100% 85% -15% Gradual 9 Sharon 100% 85% -15% Gradual South decline, now decline stable 10 South Kolan 90% 85% -5% Stable Fairymead Sub-areas Burnett - Elliott Sub-areas Zone Location Current Indicative Change Current Group AE for AE for water level Zone Location Current AE Indicative Change Current water 2018/19 2019/20 trends Group for 2018/19 AE for level trends 2019/20 36 Welcome 65% 65% 0% Recovering 11 Burnett 45% 45% 0% Stable Creek/ Heads Fairydale 12 Barolin 85% 60% -25% Gradual 38 Woongarra/ 100% 80% -20% Stable, Coast decline, now Windermere gradual rise stable 39 Calavos 100% 80% -20% Stable, 13 Elliott 65% 40% -25% Stable lower gradual rise Heads 40 Coonarr 100% 75% -25% Gradual 14 Rubyanna/ 55% 40% -15% Stable Road South decline, now Millaquin stable 15 Woongarra 100% 80% -20% Gradual rise 41 Mahogany 90% 65% -25% Gradual Creek decline, now 16 Calavos 95% 75% -20% Falling, now stable levelling off 43 Goodwood 95% 75% -20% Gradual 17 Bundaberg 100% 90% -10% Falling Road decline, now 18 Alloway 100% 95% -5% Falling stable 19 Bonna 90% 80% -10% Gradual 45 Stranos 100% 100% 0% Falling decline, now Road stable Page 6 46 Farnsfield 100% 85% -15% Gradual 20 Takalvan 95% 75% -20% Stable East decline now stable The Bundaberg District Canegrower Volume 15, Issue 6

Page 7 The Bundaberg District Canegrower Volume 15, Issue 6

Reimbursement of Burnt Cane Deduction

he Collective Agreement has a If you wish to claim reimbursement you Grower Services Superintendent T clause, which enables need to apply to Bundaberg Sugar in Bundaberg Sugar reimbursement of the burnt cane writing. PO Box 500 penalty, i.e. Bundaberg 10.5 Where the Grower makes a written You may wish to use the pro forma Fax 4150 8911 application to the Mill Owner for shown or collect one from reception. reimbursement of the burnt cane Dear Sir, deduction and it is the Mill If you have applied for reimbursement Owner’s opinion that the cane was in previous seasons you are not required I/ We wish to be reimbursed burnt cane burnt in order to improve cane to do so again. deductions for blocks ……… on farm quality or increase productivity, the number/s because (Reason eg trash Mill Owner shall reimburse the Bundaberg CANEGROWERS’ causes water logging and rots the burnt cane deduction of 9.8 cents to members can contact Matt Leighton stool) the grower for cane delivered on or or Dale Holliss on 4151 2555 for before the second day after assistance. Signed burning. ……….

Members Only Crop Insurance

ll Bundaberg CANEGROWERS the fire in the trash blanket. maximum value of indemnity selected A members have crop insurance or 90% of the value of the cane at the cover as part of their membership fee. Growers are able to apply to “Top Up” mill, whichever is the lesser amount. This year the cover is set at $40 per their insurance beyond $40 per tonne tonne with a 50 tonne excess and covers with the payment of additional Top Up insurance can be applied for growers for: premium. This option may be used if by contacting Bundaberg  total crop loss from unharvested cane growers have some significantly higher CANEGROWERS on 4151 2555, after a fire, priced forward pricing locked in for this completing the Top Up Insurance  partial crop loss from reduced yield year. Before applying for the Top Up document and paying the additional of a harvested crop and insurance growers also need to be aware premium. Growers are also able to  the loss of a trash blanket and the that the underwriters liability under the reduce the 50 tonne excess by paying costs of re-establishing the crop after Fire Perils Crop Insurance policy is the an additional premium.  Bundaberg Business and Careers Expo … by Caitlyn Killick, Field Officer, Bundaberg Sugar Services Limited

n Thursday 23 May I attended the O Bundaberg Business and Careers Expo along with Kylie Jackson from Bundaberg Fruit and Vegetable Growers and Angela Marshal from Department of Agriculture and Fisheries to showcase the Bundaberg cane growing industry and the many opportunities agriculture has to offer.

We had a stand set up displaying the many career paths in the agricultural industry and through out the day we were able to engage with students from years 10-12 from Bundaberg and surrounding schools to entice and encourage younger generations into filling the age gap and not just thinking of the agriculture industry as “jobs” but also as a sustainable career path.

Page 8 The Bundaberg District Canegrower Volume 15, Issue 6

Safety near powerlines

rowers are reminded that What to do if contact occurs away keeping your feet together. G powerlines have a general three- with powerlines Another option is to shuffle away metre exclusion zone around the wires If equipment touches a powerline keeping your feet together, constant and the safest way to operate around the growers are to stay inside the cab of the contact with the ground, and get at least wires is to have a trained safety vehicle. The only reason to leave is if 8-10 metres away from the vehicle. observer watching the operation of the the vehicle is on fire. If forced to leave machinery and the wires. The exclusion the cab, the best thing to do is to jump By having your feet apart you've got zone can be reduced if a trained as far away from the vehicle as possible, one foot on the 9,000 volt line and the observer (completed Safe Working Near landing with your two (2) feet close other foot on the 8,000 volt line, the Exposed Live Parts course or similar) is together to prevent creating a circuit electricity will flow through your body used at the site where equipment may with your legs. Then continue to hop causing electric shock and possible encroach the 3m exclusion zone. injury or death.  Farm Safety during the harvest

ith the crushing beginning As part of providing a safe place of The Managing Sugarcane Farm Safety W shortly growers, are reminded of work, it is recommended that growers manual is available from Bundaberg the need to provide a safe place to work complete an induction for the harvesting CANEGROWERS reception. The for themselves, employees, family crews as well as regular visitors such as workbook has a checklist that enables members and the harvesting crews who chemical and fertiliser delivery drivers. growers to identify hazards and provide operate on their farm. It is easy to get For the harvesting crew, items such as a risk assessment that enables plans to complacent, especially as growers live hydrants, power poles, powerlines, tram be made that provide a safe place to live and work on the farm each day and may lines, and parked equipment are vitally and work on the farm. Completing the have had the same harvesting crew for important to be identified as part of the relevant sections is the first step to 20 years or more. Each year growers induction process. The delivery drivers demonstrating a commitment to need to take stock of what is on the need to be inducted to the hazards workplace safety, which is especially farm, what has changed and does this around the sheds or delivery points such important if there is a workplace impact the harvesting crews who will be as access points/doorways to buildings, incident on the farm. working on the farm. For example a new powerlines, and contact details if no one lateral move irrigator may mean new is at the shed. The important thing is hydrant locations as well as the parking that these are updated if there are any of the irrigator in a paddock or on a changes (eg if the lateral move irrigator headland where a harvester or haulout has been moved so that the remainder of may encounter it in the early morning. the farm can be harvested). Loading of cane bins

rowers are reminded to ensure that operation on or near the road network, the owner of the bin used to haul cane as G the harvesting contractors fulfil based on the premise of minimising the well as anyone else who has influence their obligations relating to the securing spilling of billets onto the road. These over the work that lead to the billets of their load during the harvesting and guidelines “2013 Guidelines for being spilt. upcoming planting season. Loading of Sugar Industry Cane Haulage Units for Travel on Public The “2013 Guidelines for Loading of By law, the person in control of the Roads” must be adhered to by cane Sugar Industry Cane Haulage Units for vehicle must ensure that the load is not operators, including the loader Travel on Public Roads” publication is placed in a way that makes the vehicle (harvester driver) to ensure that bins are available through the Bundaberg unstable or unsafe; must be secured so it correctly and appropriately filled. In C A N E G R O W E R S w e b s i t e is unlikely to fall or be dislodged from Bundaberg there are more responsible www.bdbcanegrowers.com.au on the the vehicle and an appropriate method parties than just the harvesting crew as Fact Sheet page under News & Media must be used to restrain the load. Fines the multilift bins are also included in the tab heading. This publication outlines do apply for breaches. guidelines as they travel on the road. the requirements for the loading of cane Under the new Chain of Responsibility bins including that freeboard room is The practicalities of the sugar cane legislation it is not only the driver of the sufficient so that any settlement is harvest mean that sensible solutions haulout/ multilift vehicle that spills the contained within the bin and that any need to occur so that billets are not spilt billets who is liable if spillage occurs spillages on or near the road are cleaned on the road. These practicalities lead to and there is a risk to another motorist, it up by the operators of the vehicle. the adoptionPage 9 of specific guidelines for may also include the harvester driver, The Bundaberg District Canegrower Volume 15, Issue 6

Representation on Your Behalf

The Chairman, Elected Members and Staff of Bundaberg CANEGROWERS represented cane growers on a number of occasions. Executive members also attended many Branch meetings and other engagements in their own time.

FOR MORE DATE MEETING PURPOSE INFORMATION CONTACT: Bundaberg Regional Council Coastal Hazard Adaptation 08.05.19 To represent growers Veronica Timm Strategy 08.05.19- ECA Stakeholder Forum and Reference Committee To represent growers Dale Holliss 09.05.19 All Directors 14.05.19 Meeting with Queensland Sugar Representatives To update marketing options Dale Holliss 14.05.19 GBRMPA Burnett Local Marine Advisory Committee To represent growers Dale Holliss Dale Holliss 21.05.19 Cane Analysis Auditors meeting To prepare for season Courtney Moar 22.05.19 Bundaberg District Groundwater Area Advisory Committee To discuss next years allocations Dale Holliss 23.05.19 Bundaberg Business and Careers Expo To represent the industry Caitlyn Killick Courtney Moar 27.05.19 Cane Analysis Auditor Training To receive information update Tanya Howard 28.05.19 BIEDO Energy Forum To showcase our project Dale Holliss 29.05.19 - QFF Water and Energy Policy Committee To represent growers Dale Holliss 30.05.19

Page 10 The Bundaberg District Canegrower Volume 15, Issue 6

CLASSIFIED & JOB Indicative QSL Pool Prices ADVERTISEMENTS (AUD per tonne) As a free service to financial members, Current as of 17 May 2019 small suitable classified and employment advertisements of up to 30 words only Gross Price will be printed. AUD/T IPS QSL Pool Advertisements will be accepted from 2018 Season non-members, charged at $11 per 7-word line or part thereof. 2018 Harvest Pool $372 Contact: 2018 Actively Managed Pool $372 Bundaberg CANEGROWERS Office on 2018 Guaranteed Floor Pool $347 telephone 4151 2555 or fax 4153 1986. 2018 US Quota Pool $763 2018 2-Season Forward Pool $401 CLASSIFIEDS 2018 Early Start Actively Managed Pool $374 For further pricing information please visit WANTED 2019 2-Season Actively Managed Pool $391 Collins Hay would like to buy Cane Trash to be www.qsl.com.au sold to cattle farmers. $30 per bale + GST which 2019 Early Start Actively Managed Pool $388 is over $60 per tonne and prompt payment. Ph: Mike Collins 0408 959 105.

FOR SALE Women in Sugar Report 2015 Trailco Winch T400-2, $18000 inc GST. 2 x Angus 4 inch Hose, 250m, $3000 each inc GST. Phone 0419 731 752. omen in Sugar had our AGM in Women in Sugar ran a Mother’s Day W May. All seats were made vacant raffle; this was very well received with FOR SALE and new office bearers were elected. the lucky winners being Geoffrey White Criton Mark 2 Harvester with 135 Massey Krystal Golchert President, Annie and Ray Goodwin. We hope the winners Ferguson Tractor Attached. Fiat High Spray Rig Attard Vice President, Hayley Loeskow enjoyed their prizes. 7 Foot clearance. 2 x 6000 Austoft Harvester Secretary and Silvana Cayley Treasurer Elevator Slews and 1 Ram. Quantity of elevator were elected to those seats for this year. With the crushing approaching in July flights to suit Austoft Cane Harvesters 4000 and Congratulations to the office bearers. we would like to wish everyone a safe 6000. Hydraulic Wheel Motor to fit Austoft Cane Harvesters 4000 and 6000 as new condition. We would like to thank all members for and productive harvest season. Quantity of commercial pumps and motors to their participation and commitment suit Austoft Cane Harvester 4000, 6000 and throughout the year. Next meeting will be held on Tuesday Mark 1. Diff and Episicals to suit Austoft 16 July at Bundaberg Harvester Mark 1 and Mark 2. Dyna Power Women in Sugar, for the first time this CANEGROWERS at 9.30 am. motors and pumps. Quantity of 5 inch irrigation year joined Bundaberg pipes. Topper to suit Austoft Harvesters 6000 CANEGROWERS at Agro Trend for We would love to see you all there. and 7000. Phone 0427 598 333. Farmers Friday.

Articles appearing in The Bundaberg District Canegrower do not necessarily represent the policies and views of Bundaberg CANEGROWERS.

Page 11 The Bundaberg District Canegrower Volume 15, Issue 6

Grain in Cane Harvest update

he soybean harvest is complete for Challenges and Solutions control pod sucking bugs and trial T the Grain in Cane Co-operative In response to changing insect and weed results indicate a significant (GIC Co-op) this year. This crop has pressure there may be some changes to improvement of control compared to been the largest for several years with the recommendations for control of Decis Options. It does require a approximately 400ha harvested and 835 certain weeds and insects in the coming specialised wetter and this does increase tonnes through the silos. Like the cane, seasons. A new herbicide Valor which is the cost however improved controls the soybeans could have done with some also registered in cane can be used as a should reduce the number of sprays and in-crop rainfall to increase the yields post plant pre-emergent herbicide with the amount of damage to the grain. and the profit of growing soybeans. either glyphosate or paraquat as a knockdown to control some of the Lucerne Crown Borer has become more The prices that have been received by harder to control weeds in soybeans than a nuisance pest over the last couple those who marketed their grain with the including some of the legumes and of seasons and in some cases GIC Co-op have been close to a record convolvulus vines species. In limited infestations have caused difficulty in high, with full fat contracts at $800 per use last season, it seemed to control harvest due to the stems breaking off at tonne and edible contracts ranging from some of these weeds, however it did ground level before the header can reach $820-$860 per tonne depending on struggle against lablab which can them. There has been a permit for an quality and time of delivery. This is emerge from deeper in the soil. application of Fipronil applied at significantly higher than the $680 per planting however it has expired at the tonne guaranteed minimum price that Over the last couple of seasons Red end of the season and needs to be was on the contract offered in Banded Shield bugs have dominated the renewed before it can be used next November 2018. This is the benefit of pod sucking bugs found in the paddocks season. An application for a permit for having a minimum price contract as the and it has been difficult to control them use is expected next year however GIC Co-op was able to access the higher with the standard of Decis Options plus growers should check that this is the prices as they occurred throughout the salt. A new chemical, Shield Systemic case before using the product. season. Insecticide, has a permit for use to Leadership For Our Regions Program

he inaugural Leadership For Our The eight-day, two-session, residential Applications Open 5 – 20 June 2019. T Regions program has been program will be an immersive, Only 24 scholarship places are developed in collaboration with development opportunity for aspiring, available. Australian Rural Leadership Foundation local leaders in the region. It will (ARLF) and Regional Institute explore the opportunities and challenges To find out more information or apply (RAI) and will be held in the Wide Bay specific to the region and equip for the program, please visit www.rural- Burnett region. individuals with the skills to influence leaders.org.au. prosperous growth.

The Bundaberg District Canegrower PRINT POSTAGE PAID AUSTRALIA POST

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PO Box 953 BUNDABERG QLD 4670

Bundaberg CANEGROWERS 32 Bourbong Street (PO Box 953) Bundaberg Qld 4670 Phone: (07) 4151 2555 Fax: (07) 4153 1986 Email: [email protected] Website: www.bdbcanegrowers.com.au ABN: 66 110 868 801

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