CANEGROWERS secures vital exemption amid harvest delays

Poor weather, industrial action, and the consistently unreliable milling performance in many districts will once again push the harvest into late December.

CANEGROWERS Chairman Owen Menkens expressed frustration at the situation, noting the heavy strain on growers’ bottom lines.

"Once again, the harvest is running late, and it’s a real blow to growers," Mr Menkens said. "These delays cost money, and with the wet season approaching, the risk of severe disruption looms larger. If the wet weather hits before all the cane is cut, we could see crops left in the paddock, and no one wants that."

The exemption, secured through collaboration with the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR), the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR), and the Queensland Police Service (QPS), will allow certain machinery and cane trucks to operate on public roads where necessary during the holiday curfew.

Growers and contractors must apply for permits by 1 December through the NHVR portal. A traffic management plan must be included. CANEGROWERS district offices are also ready with support and templates for growers.

Mr Menkens pointed to the ongoing issues within the milling sector as a primary driver behind this year’s delays.

"While some mills maintain efficient operations and communicate well with growers, others continue to struggle with underinvestment, staffing issues, and painfully slow bin deliveries," he said.

"It’s a worsening situation that urgently needs attention and CANEGROWERS will continue working with the Australian Sugar Milling Council to address these structural issues.”

"We need better performance across the board, not only to complete this year’s harvest but to set up the industry for future growth. The industry must come together to solve these issues and improve our productivity across,” Mr Menkens added.