Sugar price battle

IN a dramatic escalation of tensions, Australia has reported India to the World Trade Organisation over its sugar subsidising practices, which have flooded the market and hurt Queensland cane farmers. The aim is to get India to drop its massive subsidising of its sugar. Sugar prices around the world have plummeted since the Indian Government announced a $1 billion subsidy in September.

Port hosts cruise ship

MORE than 2000 visitors will explore Cairns and the surrounds early next week when Pacific Aria docks. The ship is scheduled to dock in the Port of Cairns at 10am on Monday, arriving from Airlie Beach and will stay overnight before departing at 5pm on Tuesday. It will then travel to Brisbane via Willis Island.

Couple short-listed

WALKAMIN couple Krista and Rob Watkins of Natural Evolution Foods have been named as finalists for the Peter Kenny Medal. The accolade recognises young people who demonstrate outstanding innovation and leadership and are making a significant contribution to Queensland’s agriculture sector and rural communities. The winner will be announced in Brisbane next week at the AgFutures Innovation and Investment Forum.

Free exhibition opens

BE ONE of the first people to see new exhibition Goobalathaldin Dick Roughsey: Stories of This Land at Cairns Art Gallery this evening. Roughsey is known for his illustrated children’s books and this retrospective exhibition celebrates that work and his life. The exhibition will be opened at 6pm with a welcome to country by Henrietta Fourmile-Marrie and guest speakers Cairns Mayor Bob Manning and QAGOMA’s Simon Wright. Attendance is free. To RSVP, call 4046 4800.

Apprenticeship boost

AGRICULTURAL businesses in the Far North are being encouraged to take advantage of a new wage subsidy program for apprentices. From January 1, the Australian Apprentice Wage Subsidy will support apprenticeships in occupations in rural and regional areas (those listed on the National Skills Needs List).