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RESIDENTS around the northern Gold Coast region may have noticed more smoke on the horizon this winter than in previous years.

Our cane farming members have had to revive the practice of burning their cane prior to harvest after several decades of mostly cutting their cane green.

This year is different and we are asking the community to be patient as we work through a number of challenging issues:

1. The historic Rocky Point sugar mill broke down in 2016 meaning a lot of cane was unharvested. This meant it continued to grow and the greater size and leafiness of the two-year old plants means mechanical harvesting is more difficult unless some of the excess material is removed through burning.

2. Ex-Tropical Cyclone Debbie flooded farms, bending sugarcane and depositing rubbish throughout the crop. These are safety hazards if a harvester runs into them and burning provides more visibility.

Because some cane is being burnt, there will be smoke and ash blowing into areas which have not experienced this before. Rest assured, our growers are following every rule, and have the correct permits and are doing their best to minimise inconvenience. We ask that you be patient. DAN GALLIGAN, CANEGROWERS CEO THE Palaszczuk Government is committed to delivering essential programs that help establish positive relationships between police and students which, in turn, contribute to a safe and supportive learning environment.

The Palaszczuk Government and Queensland Police are looking at maximising the coverage of existing school-based police officers and will continue to look at opportunities to enhance our relationships with Queensland schools.

Claims by the LNP’s Jann Stuckey that the Palaszczuk Government plans to axe school-based police programs are simply untrue.

Ms Stuckey seems to have based her mistaken suppositions on mysterious ‘whispers’ only she has heard. Either that or she’s deliberately trying to mislead parents.

Unfortunately, we have come to expect this from LNP MPs on the Gold Coast who prefer to fling outrageous accusations than to actually represent locals by doing their homework and pursuing matters through the normal channels.

My door is always open to any Member of Parliament, no matter what side of politics, who has genuine questions about policing issues in their electorate.

I rarely hear from the LNP MPs who are apparently only interested in issues which will provide them with a media opportunity. MARK RYAN MP, POLICE MINISTER IT’S overdue that players like Jarryd Hayne who are offered and accept massive contracts should be required to sign a performance clause at the time (GCB Aug 17). If a match performance is not up to standard, match ‘income’ is forfeited. Too many rest on their laurels and don’t give value for money in every game. KEN JOHNSTON, ROCHEDALE SOUTH