Canegrowers pin industry’s hopes on state election winner

THE North’s farming representative bodies have mounted their campaigns and are coming in swinging as the race to election day begins.

Canegrowers unleashed their eight point plan, including calling for government backing on their best management practices program and a reduction on electricity prices.

“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 Schembri said.

Mr Schembri said an analysis showed that for every $1 spent growing sugarcane, $6.42 of further economic activity was generated in the Queensland economy.

After announcing the new lobby group, Farmers United

Paul said their campaign would hit full throttle this week.

Farmers United’s Mark Vass said it was good to see all areas of the North’s agriculture representative bodies campaigning ahead of October 31.

“We’re welcoming of all other industry bodies,” he said.

“It’s good to see all the other organisations doing ads.”

Agforce’s Cane board have also revealed they were looking to wind back the clock and with it, reef regulations.

Board manager Michael Kern said the regulations had the ability to wipe an estimated $125.1 million from the sugar industry.

“These losses will translate into lost jobs,” he said.

“It is estimated that the reduced exports would cost around 600 full-time jobs, not to mention the impact on farms, the local communities they support and jobs at the local school cafe, supermarket, school and hospital.”