Cane crushed
This week
Season to date
Invicta
6,377
954,078
Pioneer
1,060
427,504
Kalamia
5,242
545,399
Inkerman
3,973
629,809
Burdekin
16,652
2,556,790
CCS
Invicta
12.97
14.06
Pioneer
14.54
14.14
Kalamia
13.34
13.80
Inkerman
14.43
13.83
Burdekin
13.53
13.96
Weekly variety performance for region
Variety
%
CCS
Variety
%
CCS
Q240
48%
14.54
Q208
7%
14.46
SRA23
18%
14.58
Q183
5%
13.86
KQ228
17%
15.05
WSRA17
5%
15.06
Comments:
The Burdekin mills processed just under 17,000 tonnes of cane for the week due to the impact of wet weather.
Widespread showers and thunderstorms delivered between 70mm and 100mm across the district from Saturday night, bringing harvesting to a standstill on Sunday.
The Burdekin mills have now processed a total of 2.55M tonnes of cane, representing about 30% of the forecast 8.47M tonne crop.
The average weekly CCS was 13.53, which was below budget due to the wet conditions.
The highest CCS sample of 15.65 was from a rake of Q240-PL in the Marshalls (Inkerman) productivity district.
As always, please remember to take care as you approach cane rail crossings.
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John Tait
Cane Supply Manager
Burdekin Region

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A rural charity has opened its annual photography competition to the public for its fifth year.  

Spirit of the Bush is an Australian-wide photography competition run by Rural Aid.  

Rural Aid CEO John Warlters said the competition was a great way to get a glimpse into life on the land.  
“Our Spirit of the Bush competition is always very popular, attracting hundreds of entrants from across Australia,” Mr Warlters said.  

“The winning 12 photos are turned into a beautiful wall calendar.” 

“I encourage amateurs, professionals and everyone in between to submit their photographs to the 2024 competition.” 

“Spirt of the Bush is a wonderful celebration of the highs and lows of life on the land.” 

Mr Warlters urged photographers to get in quickly this year.  

“We’ve shortened the competition window slightly this year, so if you’d like to take part, make sure you don’t dilly-dally.” 

“It’s our fifth year running this iconic competition, and we’d love it to be bigger than ever!” 

“We’ve already received some amazing high-quality images from previous entrants, but we’d love to see some new faces on board before the comp closes on October 1,” Mr Warlters said.  

Winners will be featured in Rural Aid’s 2025 wall calendar and will also receive a $250 pre-paid VISA card.  

The competition closes October 1, 2024. 

Entrants must submit a high-resolution, landscape image via Instagram or Facebook, with the hashtag #SOTB2024 and tag @ruralaid in the picture, or upload their photo through the Woobox link: https://www.ruralaid.org.au/spirit-of-the-bush/  

The competition’s Terms and Conditions can be found at: https://www.ruralaid.org.au/spirit-of-the-bush/  

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2023 Winner, Jane Taylor, WA

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Wilmar Sugar and Renewables and representatives of three unions met last week at the company’s request to discuss current positions in relation to their enterprise bargaining dispute.

Wilmar suggested today’s meeting following discussions two weeks ago in Townsville facilitated by Fair Work Commissioner Bernie Riordan.

Subsequent to those discussions, Commissioner Riordan recommended some potential solutions to a range of issues in dispute.

A Wilmar spokesman said last week’s meeting established that each side saw merit in exploring at least some of the Commissioner’s suggestions and a number of options were raised.

“We reinforced again our commitment to finding a mutually acceptable solution by suggesting new options for an agreement based in large part on a suggested solution from Commissioner Riordan,” he said.

“We see these as a possible opportunity for headway.

“We have left it with unions to come back to us on the options put forward,” the spokesman said.

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Simon Hood
Wilmar Manager Grower Marketing

Following a jam-packed July that was dominated by our international sugar trader roadshow, the Grower Marketing team has been busy compiling the first edition of our new grower newsletter – The Sugar Brief.

In this new communication offering, we collate the range of activities we engage in that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Wilmar Sugar and Renewables sponsors dozens of events within our sugar milling regions that are linked to cane growing, local schools, sporting clubs and community activities.

Through July and August the Grower Marketing team sponsored the Ingham Tractor Pull Championship held at the Ingham Show and the Young Farmers section at the 2024 Proserpine Show cane exhibit.

As part of Wilmar’s corporate sponsorship of the North Queensland Cowboys, we are able to entertain growers at some of the local games. Unfortunately, the most recent of these corporate box events coincided with the Broncos bringing their A-game to the Townsville stadium.

Port tours and school education events are a regular activity for our team in the field, and we hope to get some mill tours under way once the season is more progressed.

We also intermittently hold shed meetings for interested parties, especially those who missed out on the trader roadshow.

On the Pricing and Pooling front, Wilmar’s results continue to outperform the competition. Our Production Risk Pool is tracking well ahead of QSL’s Harvest Pool as is our Managed Pool and US Quota Pool.

The all-important Allocation Account is currently forecast at approximately $42/t Actual which is effectively twice as much as the QSL shared Pool. Obviously it is very early in the 2024 season and forecast prices will move around with the market. However the established trend of the Pool and Allocation continuing to add significant value to growers who choose to market with Willmar looks to be repeating.

Remember you have until 31 October 2024 to finalise your 2025 season GEI marketing nomination. Even if you have already nominated, you are able to change your GEI marketer up until that date.

Feel free to contact one of our team members to talk about your marketing options.

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We were proud sponsors of the Tractor Pull Championship held at the Ingham Show

Port tours are a regular activity for our team in the field. Owen Richards (right) is pictured with growers at the Port of Townsville

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Towards the end of World War II, Australia sought to expand agricultural land for returning soldiers. In the Lower Burdekin region, efforts began to develop farmland, especially for tobacco, which had been grown in Home Hill since 1909 by pioneers like Richard Bayliss.
By 1948, land was being sold around Clare for tobacco cultivation, but water availability was a significant challenge. To address this, a weir was planned at the Gorge in the Leichhardt Ranges, upstream from the confluence of the Bowen and Burdekin Rivers. This weir would support the new agricultural settlements of Clare, Millaroo, and Dalbeg.
Construction of the weir, located about 80 miles from Ayr, began in July 1952, with roads and bridges being built to access the site. By August, the first concrete had been poured for a temporary weir. The project involved a substantial workforce, and by November 1952, detailed surveys and contour plans for the diversion dam were completed.
The dam was designed to store 6,600 acre-feet of water for use in the first stage of the development. The worksite employed around 100 men, and 53 tobacco farms were established in Clare, with additional farms planned once the weir was completed.
The project, overseen by Alf T. Taylor of the Irrigation and Water Supply Commission, faced challenges, including a crane accident on June 30, 1953. The accident seriously injured two workers, Reginald William Buckley and Lewis Chaffey, requiring a 160-mile round trip to the hospital. Despite setbacks, the weir was completed by November 4, 1953.
On December 6, 1953, the Gorge Weir was officially opened by the Minister for Lands and Irrigation, the Honourable T. A. Foley, alongside other dignitaries. The event attracted a large crowd from the Lower Burdekin District. After the opening, guests inspected the Millaroo Irrigation Pumping Station, which was still under construction, and then visited the township of Millaroo for afternoon tea.
The Gorge Weir, a gravity-type structure built at the mouth of the Gorge in the Leichhardt Ranges, measured 1,320 feet wide and varied in height up to 40 feet due to the uneven rock foundation. The weir included a section of hardwood drop-boards that were removable and allowed water to back up about six miles, storing approximately 6,600 acre-feet. Water was released through an 8-foot wide by 4-foot high gate to flow down to the pumping stations at Clare, Millaroo, and Dalbeg, which became operational in 1954-55. The weir's construction cost approximately £400,000, which was £91,000 below the original estimate.
The Gorge Weir was part of a broader plan outlined in the Burdekin River Irrigation Hydro-Electric and Flood Mitigation Project Report of December 1951 by the Burdekin River Authority.
This plan included several stages: Stage 1, which was the construction of the Gorge Weir; Stage 2, the building of the Burdekin Dam at the Burdekin Falls, completed between 1984 and 1987; Stage 3, the proposed raising of the Burdekin Dam to enable water recycling and hydroelectricity generation, which remains unfulfilled as of 2022; and Stage 4, the construction of the Leichhardt Diversionary Dam downstream of the Gorge Weir, which was intended to open up agricultural land on the east bank of the Burdekin River and divert water towards Bowen. However, Stage 4 was never realized.
Today, the Gorge Weir has been supplemented by the Clare Weir and a pumping station at Steepy Banks on the Burdekin River, which channels water into the Upper Haughton River and ultimately contributes to Townsville's water supply. The Gorge Weir, a key component of the region's agricultural development, remains a significant historical and engineering landmark.
For those interested in learning more about the Gorge Weir, additional information can be found by searching for "Gorge Weir on the Burdekin River" on Trove.
_{Townsville Daily Bulletin Wednesday 3 Oct 1951 p3, Saturday 23 Aug 1952 p1, Friday 4 Dec 1953 p2, Monday 7 Dec 1953 p2.
Cairns Post Wednesday 1 July 1953 p5
Brisbane Telegraph Saturday 10 Oct 1953 p18, Friday 27 Nov 1953 p25
Daily Mercury Mackay Friday 22 May 1953 p14, Wednesday 4 Nov 1953 p6
Queensland Time Ipswich Wednesday 4 Nov 1953 p6
Queensland Country Life Thursday 10 Dec 1953 p3 Warwick Daily News Friday 7 Nov 1952 p3
Report by The Burdekin River Authority on The Burdekin River Irrigation Hydro-Electric and Flood Mitigation Project.  December 1951}
 
Contributed with thanks to Glenis Cislowski

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On the 17th, the Home Hill Rotary Club hosted a successful barbecue at Funny Dunny Park in Wunjunga, bringing together locals and campers to celebrate the community's dedication to recycling and the environment. The event, held at the park just 2 kilometres from the peaceful spot known as "Wunjunga," was a warm gathering that highlighted the area's strong community spirit.

The barbecue was organized to thank everyone who has supported the 10-cent cash-for-cans recycling program, a key initiative that has helped maintain the park's cleanliness and beauty. The Rotary Club, known for its commitment to local causes, expressed its deep gratitude to those who have played a part in keeping Funny Dunny Park a welcoming space for both residents and visitors.

Attendees enjoyed a delicious barbecue and a selection of cakes, all provided as a token of appreciation for their contributions to the recycling efforts. The atmosphere was filled with camaraderie as locals and campers alike shared stories, enjoyed the food, and reflected on the positive impact their actions have had on the park.

Funny Dunny Park, designed to be a haven for bushwalking and fishing enthusiasts, continues to serve as a vital community space. The park's amenities, including a water tank, rubbish bins, clean toilets, and the unique "Seat of Knowledge," provide visitors with comfort and convenience while they connect with nature.

The event was not only a celebration of recycling but also of the community's collective effort to preserve this beautiful spot. The success of the barbecue underscored the importance of community involvement in environmental stewardship and demonstrated the Rotary Club's ongoing commitment to enhancing local spaces.

As the sun set on the day, the smiles and laughter of those who attended the barbecue echoed through the park, reinforcing the strong sense of community that makes Funny Dunny Park more than just a place of peace—it's a place where the community comes together to support one another and the environment. The Rotary Club's barbecue was a fitting tribute to the shared efforts that keep Funny Dunny Park a cherished part of Wunjunga.

The Cash For Cans Project
Wunjunga Park
Karen Nagle and Mee-kah
Emma Rogers at the seat of knowledge
Mike Newton and Rod Alford cooking up a storm

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Brielle Astorquia, was introduced to the role of ambassador for the Water Festival through Kari Ravizza from the festival committee. Brielle’s involvement began when she was approached at Nutrien Harcourts and McCathie’s Real Estate, where she was recruited for the ambassador position.

The primary objectives of this year's Water Festival include boosting confidence, fostering friendships, and raising funds for the Charlie Teo Foundation. Additionally, the festival serves as a platform for local businesses to gain exposure. The festival’s theme, "Bring it Back," aligns with these goals by celebrating tradition and community involvement.

One of the highlights of this year's festival is the bowling event, which plays a significant role in fundraising and community engagement. Brielle shared that the event brought together both junior and senior participants, allowing them to mingle and showcase their support for the festival on social media. The event created a sense of unity and excitement, further emphasising the festival's community-focused spirit.

As for future plans, Brielle is excited about activities such as visiting Regis Home Care and the parade with floats, which promises to be a significant event. She is committed to preserving the festival’s original charm and looks forward to seeing future queens experience the same joy she has.

Brielle also reflects on her personal growth, having overcome the challenges of organising the bowling event in a short time. Her experience has fuelled her passion for the festival, and she hopes to continue her involvement, eventually joining the committee to guide future ambassadors.

Support for the Water Festival extends beyond attending events. Brielle encourages community members to participate in the parade, long lunch, and festival meetings, emphasising that everyone is welcome to contribute. The festival thrives on community spirit, and Brielle is grateful for the overwhelming support from local businesses and attendees. The success of the bowling event, which featured fun activities like bowling with non-dominant hands and a video from Charlie Teo, highlighted the importance of spreading awareness for brain cancer while bringing the community together.

Senior Ambassadors Brielle Astorquia, Mia Kelly, Sasha Previtera, Demi O’Shea
Junior Ambassadors Cole Pontifes, Dakota Dixon, Eden Godfrey, Stella Borellini, Francheisca Dela Cruz

Kayla Steiner bowls a spare
Cassie Mottin, John Mottin, Candice Dyball, Josh Dyball, Dale Hockey
Shane Reardon, Sam Nucifora, Joseph Nucifora, Arianna Nucifora, Maria McCoy
Warren Johnston, Lena Nucifora, Gina Calligaro
Brielle Astorquia

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DOB: 26/01/24

Sex: Female

Breed: DSH

Kid friendly: Soft hands only

Cat Friendly: Yes

Dog Friendly: Slow introduction

Indoors/Outdoors: Indoors only

Meet Marinette, a curious and playful young lady who loves to cuddle up on your bed at night. During the day, she transforms into a quirky ball of energy, always eager to voice her opinions.

Marinette is a delight to have around her foster mum can't understand why she's still searching for her forever home.

Adoption days are not Marinette’s favourite, if you would like to get to know her, a visit to her foster mum’s home is the best place to meet her.

Does Marinette sound like the perfect companion for you?

If the answer is yes, just fill in an inquiry form at: https://www.angelpawsinc.com.au/forms.html. 

Included in her adoption fee of $195 Marinette is desexed, micro-, up to date on vaccinations and is flea/tick/intestinal worm treated.

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Meet Bruce Smith, a dedicated security control room operator who skilfully balances his full-time job with the demanding role of being an auxiliary firefighter.

As a shift worker with the council, Bruce spends his days ensuring the safety and security of the community, a responsibility that requires constant vigilance. Due to the nature of his primary job, he can only respond to fire calls during his off shifts. However, this limitation hasn’t dampened his passion for helping others—a passion that led him to join the State Emergency Service (SES) six years ago and become an auxiliary firefighter three years later.

Bruce’s inspiration to serve as a firefighter came from a deep desire to give back to his community. Although balancing these two demanding roles isn’t easy, the support of his partner and three children makes it possible.

“I’m not allowed to leave my primary job, so I’m only available on my days off. But it’s not too bad,” Bruce says, emphasising the importance of a strong family support system.

A typical callout for Bruce can range from smoke alarm activations to road traffic accidents and hazardous material incidents. The unpredictability of the calls, especially those involving children, can be stressful. However, the presence of a support system within the fire service helps mitigate the emotional strain.

Training is rigorous and ongoing, with sessions every Monday night covering everything from road crash rescues to electrical incident management. Bruce advises those considering the role to be prepared for the unpredictability of the job, including the possibility of missing personal events.

Outside of work, Bruce copes with the stress through hobbies like gaming, fishing, and camping—activities that offer a much-needed escape from the demands of firefighting. Despite the challenges, his commitment to helping others remains unwavering, making Bruce Smith a true community hero.

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Bruce Smith

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By day, he's a skilled cabinet maker, crafting cupboards and installing timber doors. By night, he's ready to jump into action as an auxiliary firefighter. For Brayden Arroita the balance between these two roles is a challenging yet rewarding experience.
From a young age, Braydon dreamed of becoming a firefighter:
"Ever since I was three, I always wanted to be a firefighter," he recalls.
When the opportunity arose, Brayden didn't hesitate to pursue his childhood dream. Now, he juggles his primary job with the unpredictable demands of firefighting, which can range from calm weeks to nights filled with multiple callouts.
His work as an auxiliary firefighter involves responding to various emergencies, from house fires to car crashes. The role comes with its challenges, especially when he faces the possibility of knowing the victims involved. However, a robust support system, including debriefs and counselling, helps him navigate the emotional toll.
One of his most memorable experiences was being deployed to the Tara bushfires early in his firefighting career. The experience, surrounded by seasoned firefighters, significantly impacted his growth and maturity in the role.
Despite the demands, Braydon remains passionate about both his jobs. His advice to anyone considering joining the ranks of auxiliary firefighters? "Just go for it—the sky’s the limit."

Brayden Arroita

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The Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) is actively recruiting part-time auxiliary firefighters to join their dedicated team in the Burdekin Local Government Area, including stations in Ayr, Giru, and Home Hill. This is an excellent opportunity for residents to contribute to their local community whilst balancing other commitments.

Local Auxiliary Fire Fighters Brayden and Bruce. Photo supplied

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The CEO of Business Chamber Queensland, Heidi Cooper, highlighted the importance of understanding the unique challenges faced by businesses across the state at a recent meeting during her visit to the Burdekin.

"We spend a lot of time listening to the Queensland business community because we want to ensure the business environment is the right one for them," she emphasised. This approach involves engaging with regional and North Queensland businesses to advocate for the best possible outcomes.

One of the key issues facing Queensland businesses is workforce management. "Workforce is the number one issue for Queensland businesses, about accessing and retaining the right staff," the CEO stated. She pointed out that businesses are struggling with high wages, energy costs, and insurance expenses. Housing availability also poses a significant challenge, making it difficult for businesses to employ staff without adequate living arrangements.

The Business Chamber Queensland offers various support programs to assist businesses of all sizes across the state. These programs include online services, help desks, and other resources to ensure accessibility regardless of location. A notable initiative is the EcoBiz program, which helps businesses implement sustainable practices. Heidi shared a success story from Cairns, where a tourism operator reduced energy and waste consumption, leading to cost savings and improved sustainability.

The chamber actively engages with regional communities through meetings, conversations, and surveys. "I encourage any regional businesses to get involved in our pulse surveys and election surveys on our website. The more engagement, the better we can advocate," Heidi urged. These surveys help address the specific issues businesses face, with workforce management being a primary concern.

To support workforce diversity and retention, the chamber has launched an initiative called Workforce Evolve. This program assists business owners in diversifying their workforce and provides HR support, particularly beneficial for smaller businesses. "We know that workforce is the biggest issue," Heidi reiterated, emphasising the importance of chamber membership for accessing these resources.

The chamber's core purpose, as an independent, not-for-profit organisation, is to support the Queensland business community. They host events, often in partnership with local chambers, to foster connections and address economic challenges. Despite low confidence levels across the state, Heidi remains optimistic about opportunities in regional Queensland.

"Our election platform focuses on bringing the voice of regional Queensland to state government, advocating for policies and regulations that enable business success," Heidi concluded. They encouraged business owners to join local chambers and the Business Chamber Queensland to benefit from a supportive network, emphasising that thriving businesses contribute to the overall prosperity of the community.

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David Jackson President of Home Hill Chamber of Commerce, Heidi Cooper CEO of Business Chamber Queensland and Leigh Kefford President of Burdekin Chamber of Commerce meet at Home Hill Newsagents for a Chamber of Business meeting. Photo credit: Miah Lampard

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Stephen Tunbridge, one of Burdekin’s local volunteer heroes, has been with Burdekin Community Association Inc for 7 years. During his time with BCA, Stephen has always been prepared to help with whatever is required of him, within the organization and the community.
Stephen originally was a business man and owned Shoelites Footware for many years.
When his shop closed down, he decided to become a volunteer and give back to the community and wanted to use his time helping others. Stephen has been a valuable asset for the residents and organizations within the Burdekin.
For 6 years Stephen volunteered 6 days a week for the Salvation Army however then he turned his attention to BCA and approached the BCA Volunteer Service Manager Rita Quagliata.
Stephen is warmly known and much loved and has brightened the lives of the elderly clients he visits as a visitor for the ACVVS Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme. He is a caring and compassionate man, a perfect person for this role. He provides companionship, laughter and has gained a strong rapport with all he meets. He always enjoys doing something for others. Stephen also does some fundraising for BCA and volunteers at the Community Information Centre two days a week.
Stephen uses his time each day to improve the quality of life of others and to embrace a sense of community.
Stephen is always ready to help and ‘yes’ is his favorite word.

Contributed with thanks to Burdekin Community Association Inc

Local Hero Stephen Tunbridge

Welcome to this edition of our newspaper, where we continue to bring you the stories that matter most to our vibrant Burdekin community. As I settle into my new role here in Home Hill, I’m filled with excitement and gratitude for the warm welcome I’ve received from residents, businesses, and community leaders alike.

Home Hill is a place where the sense of community is palpable, where people take pride in their town, and where traditions and innovations walk hand in hand. The Burdekin region, with its rich agricultural heritage and thriving local businesses, offers a unique blend of old-world charm and modern-day dynamism. It's a place where stories abound, from the thriving community events to the serene banks of the mighty Burdekin River.

In this edition, we delve into the heart of what makes Home Hill and the wider Burdekin region so special. We feature stories that celebrate the resilience, creativity, and community spirit that define this area. Whether it’s highlighting the achievements of local heroes, exploring the challenges facing our region, or showcasing the cultural events that bring us together, we aim to reflect the diversity and richness of life here.

As I continue to get to know the ins and outs of this wonderful town, I’m eager to hear your stories and share them with our readers. After all, it’s your experiences, your challenges, and your triumphs that shape the narrative of our community. Please feel free to reach out with your ideas, news tips, or just to say hello.

Thank you for welcoming me into your community. I look forward to being a part of Home Hill and the Burdekin region for many years to come.

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OPINION PIECE
Member for Burdekin Dale Last has lashed out at the state government as seafood shop owners and marine businesses in the Burdekin are left as collateral damage in the government’s decision to gut the commercial fishing industry.
Mr Last said while the introduction of a heavily restricted commercial gillnet licence symbol NX, should have been an opportunity to allow our commercial fishers to continue to supply our state’s seafood consumers and support flow-on small businesses, its proven to be tied up in red tape and left fishers fearful to work under the new regulations.
“If the Minister had taken the time to listen to stakeholders at the rally in the Burdekin last year he would know the devastating flow-on effect the changes imposed on the commercial gillnet fishing industry would have on our marine businesses and seafood shop operators,” Mr Last said.
“Not only have we seen the livelihoods of commercial fishermen sent into turmoil, we are now seeing communities and the businesses that operate within them left as collateral damage.”
“While the Minister may have people think compensation packages are there to support impacted businesses, the harsh reality is the amount needed to diversify their small business would actually far outweigh the support being offered.”
Mr Last said already within the first months of implementing the new NX licences for commercial fishers, it was clear there had been no consultation with the industry around the conditions that would be forced upon them.
“Despite commercial gillnet fishers jumping through every hoop to obtain an NX licence, Labor is still insistent on treating them as criminals when the vast majority just want to ensure that seafood consumers still have access to locally caught produce.”
“It’s an absolute disgrace by both state and federal Labor that not only have they bound another primary industry in unworkable red tape but that they have been quite happy to turn a blind-eye to the wider impacts on those businesses that support local jobs and our community’s economy.”
“Just like we have seen with regulation imposed on our sugarcane farmers, once again this community and the small businesses that make its backbone are sacrificed in an effort for Labor to appease the Green vote.”
“If the Minister really was the ‘farmers friend’ he would be making every effort to work with our primary industries and the communities that rely on them, rather than standing by and watching small businesses shut shop at the hand of haphazard regulation.”
Contributed by Member for Burdekin Dale Last.

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