With the Queensland state election looming, Canegrowers have gone on the front foot in outlining an eight-point plan to the parties contesting the election saying it will secure a sustainable, profitable and productive future for sugarcane growers, regional communities and the state economy.

“We’re working harder and smarter and the next Queensland Government can help us unleash our potential and realise some exciting opportunities by removing the obstacles that are holding us back,” Canegrowers Chairman Paul Schembri said.

“A vibrant sugarcane industry pays dividends to regional communities and the state economy. We can contribute to the COVID-19 economic recovery.

“Our Canegrowers analysis shows that for every $1 we spend growing sugarcane, $6.42 of further economic activity is generated in the Queensland economy – this supports jobs, businesses and communities.”

Canegrowers is calling on the political parties to commit to:

• Reduce the cost of power and water to drive productivity and profitability
• Cut red tape on farming which doesn’t help the Great Barrier Reef
• Build a diversified industry for regional economic growth based on renewable sugarcane 

• Back the sugarcane industry’s commitment environmental responsibility through ongoing support for our internationally-recognised accreditation program, Smartcane BMP
• Invest in a future agricultural workforce with school programs and post-school skills training
• Enable sustainable and innovative electricity and water use through local renewable energy grids, farm improvement programs and efficient irrigation schemes
• Remove roadblocks to disaster preparedness including making insurance more affordable
• Fund research and improve government services to agriculture with a revitalised Department of Agriculture.