CANEGROWERS and Sugar Research Australia (SRA) will seek a one-year emergency permit from the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) allowing growers to purchase and use paraquat in sugarcane. Photo source: Website/CANEGROWERS

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The Australian sugarcane industry’s peak grower and research bodies have joined forces in a bid to prevent a critical weed-control tool disappearing from cane farms before practical alternatives are ready. 

CANEGROWERS and Sugar Research Australia (SRA) will seek a one-year emergency permit from the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) allowing growers to purchase and use paraquat in sugarcane under the previous label conditions, subject to appropriate restrictions. 

The APVMA’s recent decision removes sugarcane from revised paraquat labels because the allowable rates are well below those required for effective use in cane. 

Products carrying labels approved before the decision can still be used until 22 June 2028, but growers will be limited to the finite supply of old-label stock already in circulation. 

CANEGROWERS CEO Dan Galligan said the permit would provide a practical bridge while alternative weed-control options were developed. 

“This is not about using up old drums already sitting in sheds,” Mr Galligan said. 

“We are seeking a one-year permit that would allow growers to buy new stock and use it under the previous conditions, with appropriate safeguards in place. 

“Paraquat is an important part of minimum-tillage farming because it controls weeds without repeatedly disturbing the soil. Right now, there is no replacement that works across every farming system. 

“Growers need more than an assurance that alternatives are coming. They need a workable option for the season ahead, and that is what this application is designed to provide.” 

SRA is working with chemical companies to develop alternative knockdown herbicide strategies for consideration to be registered by APVMA.

“We respect the APVMA’s role and understand the application will need to address its concerns,” Mr Galligan said. 

“But the practical reality is growers cannot switch overnight to alternatives that are not yet available. 

“A short-term permit would give the industry breathing room to make that transition properly.” 

Grower leaders will also raise the issue directly with APVMA officials when they address the CANEGROWERS Policy Council later this month. 

“That meeting will give APVMA officials the chance to hear directly from growers about how paraquat is used and what losing it would mean on farm,” Mr Galligan said. 

“We are looking for a sensible short-term solution that gives growers a workable option while the next generation of weed-control tools is brought forward.”

Supplied by CANEGROWERS

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Martha is a gentle young cat looking for a forever home and someone to love.

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Born 25 September 2022, Martha is a female cat who has been in foster care since 14 May 2026. She is cat friendly, good with children, and may suit a home with other pets, although her experience with dogs is currently unknown.

Martha is known for her warm personality and strong bond with people once trust is established. She is quite talkative, happily responding when called by name, and is full of purrs, head bumps and affection. At night, she enjoys nothing more than curling up beside her foster carer for comfort and companionship.

She came into care alongside her close companion Milah, and the pair share a strong and comforting bond. A joint adoption would be a special outcome, though Martha would also thrive in a calm, peaceful home where she feels safe and loved.

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Martha is a grazer, preferring small meals throughout the day, and settles best in a relaxed environment.

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Adoption fee is $210, which includes desexing, microchipping, up-to-date vaccinations, and flea, tick and worm treatment.

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For a loving, gentle companion with personality and heart, Martha is ready to meet her match.

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Enquire about Martha here:https://angelpawsinc.com.au/forms/

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"School chaplains provide a trusted, caring presence for young people, helping them navigate challenges, build resilience and develop confidence.” Photo supplied

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Community Bank Home Hill & Ayr has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the wellbeing of young people across the Burdekin, announcing a $30,000 contribution to the Burdekin School Chaplaincy program.

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The announcement was made during the Annual School Chaplaincy Breakfast last month, where Community Bank Home Hill & Ayr board members and staff joined local educators, volunteers and community leaders to celebrate the vital role chaplains play in the lives of local students.

Acting Branch Manager Sally Smith said the breakfast was a powerful reminder of the positive impact chaplains have in schools every day.

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"Listening to the stories shared at the breakfast highlighted just how important this service is for our community," Ms Smith said.

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"School chaplains provide a trusted, caring presence for young people, helping them navigate challenges, build resilience and develop confidence. Their work often extends beyond the classroom, supporting families and strengthening our entire community."

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The $30,000 funding commitment will help ensure chaplaincy services continue to be available across local schools, providing students with someone to turn to during difficult times and creating opportunities for meaningful connections.

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As a Community Bank, supporting initiatives that improve the wellbeing of local residents is central to its purpose. Through the Community Bank Home Hill & Ayr, profits generated locally are reinvested into projects, organisations and programs that make a lasting difference throughout the Burdekin.

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Ms Smith said investing in young people was one of the most important ways the bank could contribute to the future of the region.

"Our young people are the future of the Burdekin, and it's important they have access to support that helps them thrive both personally and emotionally," she said.

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"We're proud to stand alongside the Burdekin Chaplains committee and everyone involved in delivering this valuable program. Their dedication has a positive ripple effect that reaches students, families and the wider community."

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Community Bank Home Hill & Ayr also acknowledged the many volunteers, schools, churches and supporters whose ongoing commitment ensures the chaplaincy program continues to make a meaningful difference.

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By investing in initiatives that strengthen resilience, connection and community wellbeing, Community Bank Home Hill & Ayr continues to demonstrate its commitment to building a stronger future for the Burdekin—one where local success creates lasting local impact.

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Supplied by Community Bank Home Hill & Ayr

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How good is the weather at the moment, cool enough to have a break from air-cons, cooler mornings/evenings and beautiful days. The “crush” is underway with increased traffic on the roads, let’s stay safe and be aware of vehicles around us.

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The Burdekin continues to shine in volunteerism, from the local footy, service clubs to the SES. A new Local Controller, Cheryl Wade has taken over the reins of the Burdekin SES, congrats and welcome to the wonderful SES volunteers.

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Works continue around the Shire, if you see something that needs attention, pot hole/damaged sign etc simply fill out a ‘Snap Send Solve’. If not on your mobile go to your App Store and download. Otherwise send an E mail to enquiries@burdekin.qld.gov.au or call 4783 9800.  

‘Cirque Nouvelle’, “a new evolution of circus” is on at the ‘Burdekin Theatre’ tonight 6pm. “After sell out shows across Australia, this internationally acclaimed all-star cast are back and ready to present a truly unique and versatile production”

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The ‘Millaroo Catfish Competition’ is on this Saturday 11th July. Any enquiries go to millaroopandc@outlook.com or call 0427 652 387.  

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The State of Origin has been ‘run and won’ for 2026, congrats to the competitive spirit shown by both teams. The Cowboy v Panthers game was the best game I’ve seen since the 2015 Grand Final, not just for the game but to celebrate JTs 300th. To see the Tongan princess and Prime Minister acknowledge JTs achievement along with the NRL was very special. What I admired most was players of both teams stayed around long after the game to take pictures and sign autographs which endeared them to the many fans, especially the young kids from the Laurie Spina Shield who saw they’re idols.  

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Wishing you health & happiness

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Cr John

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Critical infrastructure needed to foster new homes in the Burdekin has been backed by the Crisafulli Government in a boost Member for Burdekin Dale Last has hailed as a win for the region.

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Under the 2026/2027 State Budget, the Crisafulli Government will deliver a $720,000 duplicated water main at Home Hill to improve reliability of the town water supply and support sustainable growth.

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Mr Last said backing local councils with the funding they need to bolster critical infrastructure demonstrated real steps towards unlocking more land for new homes.

“By investing in Home Hill’s water infrastructure, the Crisafulli Government is delivering for current residents while ensuring our regional towns are able to meet the current demand for housing,” Mr Last said.

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“We know attracting the skilled workforce we need for services in our town, starts with ensuring they have a place to live which is why the Crisafulli Government is removing as many barriers as possible for both new and existing homes.”

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“We’re delivering on our commitment to work closely with councils including the Burdekin who play a crucial role in unlocking home ownership.”

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Mr Last said delivering the duplication of Home Hill’s water main was just one way the Crisafulli Government was delivering a place to call home for more Queenslanders.

“More than 3500 first home buyers have already benefitted from the Crisafulli Government’s abolishment of stamp duty while more than $70 million has been budgeted to assist first home owners with $30,000 First Home Owner Grants,” Mr Last said.

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“This Budget backs aspiration and strengthens the foundations for continued growth in our regional communities.”

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The Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, has warned that the Albanese Labor Government's heavy-handed rollout of new environmental laws on July 1 will paralyse local agricultural production, leaving regional sugar cane farmers trapped in a compliance nightmare and threatening the viability of local mills.

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From tomorrow (July 1), the Federal Government’s newly established National Environmental Protection Agency (NEPA) officially begins operations. Armed with expanded auditing powers and the ability to issue immediate 14-day "stop work" orders, this new federal body has the ability to enforce massive new financial penalties under a radically altered Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act, with corporate fines skyrocketing up to $16.5 million.

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The upcoming enforcement push follows intense scrutiny by the Coalition, alongside peak industry groups. Modelling from AgForce highlights the staggering scale of the threat, revealing that the complex federal self-assessment and referral process is expected to drain up to $3.5 billion annually from Queensland agriculture alone, with roughly 30 producers already trapped under aggressive federal compliance investigations.

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Mr Willcox said local sugar cane farmers are already experiencing the suffocating effects of a bureaucratic hold by the federal environment department. Landowners trying to clear Category X land, which is freehold land explicitly classified as cleared or exempt under state vegetation laws to allow for routine farming, are being stopped in their tracks by federal authorities.

"Our local cane farmers are being forced into a bureaucratic nightmare by a government completely detached from the realities of food production," Mr Willcox said.

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"I have local landowners coming into my office who are trying to manage and expand their crops on Category X land. They have done the right thing, yet they are being bullied by federal department officials who tell them their land is 'under investigation' without providing a single solid reason why. It is an absolute joke.

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"Labor has rushed these laws through to secure a political win with the Greens, completely altering the 'continuous use' exemption. Now, if a farmer has regrowth older than 15 years, or if they are within 50 metres of a watercourse in the Great Barrier Reef catchment, routine activities like clearing scrub, putting in fencing, or building firebreaks are suddenly treated like a potential federal offense."

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To combat this broader federal assault on regional productivity, the Coalition has announced it will lodge a coordinated Notice of Motion in both the Senate and the House of Representatives to disallow the Carbon Credits Methodology Determination 2026. This urgent legislative push aims to stop Labor from using multi-million dollar corporations and carbon credit schemes to permanently lock up productive land and destroy regional jobs.

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Mr Willcox warned that this strategy of locking up agricultural land to appease a box-ticking carbon offset agenda represents a dangerous precedent, running alongside Labor's broader plan to lock up an additional 39 million hectares of land, nearly twice the size of Victoria, to meet its 2030 targets.

"Locking up this land completely destroys its productivity, abandoning active land management and turning prime agricultural acreage into a weed-ridden haven for feral pests, like wild pigs, to breed and spread unchecked onto surrounding properties," Mr Willcox said.

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"Blocking farmers from utilising their own land poses a direct, existential threat to the region's sugar milling infrastructure.

"Our local sugar mills are already locked in a severe battle against block encroachment, which is steadily reducing the total hectares of cane being grown in our region.

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"A sugar mill requires a strict, massive volume of cane to remain operationally and financially viable. If our farmers are stopped from clearing their Category X land to open up new cane blocks, the total tonnage will drop below that critical threshold, and the mills will simply close.

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"The profit margins for our cane farmers are incredibly slim. If a local mill shuts down, it becomes entirely cost-prohibitive to transport harvested cane to a mill further away. The transport costs alone will wipe out any return, meaning all the surrounding sugar cane farms will have to stop farming completely.

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"Hundreds of landowners across this country are facing this exact same bureaucratic freeze, and it is stifling production, damaging local economies, and threatening national food security.

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“Our farmers need practical support and regulatory certainty, not a centralised, Canberra-based environmental police force strangling their productivity.”

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Supplied by the Office of Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox

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What could have been a stressful roadside ordeal became a heartwarming reminder of the kindness found in the Burdekin community for father Clinton Condren Snr and his son last week.

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Travelling south between Ayr and Townsville, the pair experienced car trouble just past Giru before fellow motorist Carol Philo noticed they were stranded and stopped to see if they needed help.

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Mr Condren said Ms Philo's kindness made all the difference, with a tow truck arriving soon after to get them back on the road within the hour.

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Grateful for the support, Mr Condren wanted to publicly thank Ms Philo for taking the time to stop and lend a hand, saying her simple act of kindness turned a worrying situation into one with a happy ending.

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(L-R) Sam Harris, Lisa Corica, Rhondda Ware, Lynn Hutchings, Dan Bawden, Chris Goodwill and John Donald. Photo credit: Jenny Donald

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While most Burdekinites were in weekend mode last Sunday, a group of Ayr-Home Hill Lions volunteers spent several hours at the Lions Fruit Park in Home Hill giving the mango trees a much-needed trim.

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Volunteers Sam Harris, Lisa Corica, Rhondda Ware, Lynn Hutchings, Dan Bawden, Chris Goodwill and John and Jenny Donald worked steadily throughout the day, carrying out the first major prune the trees have had in years.

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By day’s end, seven trailer loads of off-cuts were transported to the local dump for disposal.

The surrounding lawns were also mowed as part of the manicure, leaving the park noticeably refreshed.

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“We all agreed that the fruit park looks a lot better after the trim and mow,” a club spokesperson said.

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The working bee concluded across the road at the Lions Diorama, where volunteers enjoyed celebratory scones and coffee.

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The work represents one of the many voluntary efforts carried out by the longstanding local service club across the region.

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NQ Dry Tropics Sustainable Agriculture Program Manager Rob Hunt directing people onto the bus to begin the forum. Photo source: NQ Dry Tropics

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More than 60 scientists, farmers, Traditional Owners, conservationists and industry representatives gathered in Home Hill this month to explore new ways of protecting waterways, strengthening agricultural resilience and improving water quality flowing to the Great Barrier Reef.

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The 2026 Burdekin Regional Water Quality Science Forum, hosted by NQ Dry Tropics, highlighted the importance of strategic planning, collaboration and targeted investment to address environmental challenges while supporting productive farming systems.

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A field tour showcased practical projects already delivering results, including streambank restoration at Molongle Creek, where almost 4,000 timber piles were installed after severe flooding to stabilise the creek bank and encourage natural regeneration.

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Forum delegates also visited Mt Alma Organics near Inkerman, where the Spotswood family is working alongside NQ Dry Tropics to restore more than 60 hectares of wetland through long-term landscape management.

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Chief Scientific Officer from the Queensland Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation Carl Mitchell said long-term thinking was becoming increasingly important in water quality planning.

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"We need to think strategically about how the program would be used in, say, 20 years from now," he said.

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Collaboration between landholders, scientists and Traditional Owners was another key focus, with discussions highlighting the growing use of cultural burning as a land management tool.

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NQ Dry Tropics Sustainable Agriculture Program Manager Rob Hunt said collecting the right information was essential to improving environmental outcomes.

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"We really need to know what we're measuring," he said.

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"Whether it's to make sure our models are right, or to ensure a project is delivering what it's meant to deliver, or properly understanding the co-benefits arising from a project, we need to be able to map those out and understand what we're measuring."

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Senior Scientist and principal at C2O Consulting Jane Waterhouse said investment also needed to be carefully prioritised.

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"We also want managers and investors to think about protecting the areas in good condition ensuring we are taking action if necessary to maintain good water quality," she said.

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The forum also examined emerging opportunities in carbon emissions reduction, with researchers and industry leaders discussing how changes to fertiliser use and farming practices could improve productivity while creating future carbon market opportunities.

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The event was funded through the Australian and Queensland governments' Paddock to Reef Integrated Monitoring, Modelling and Reporting Program.

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It has been another wonderful week in the Burdekin, filled with community spirit, celebration and important milestones for our region.

The Burdekin Singers Debutante Ball was once again a standout event, with 23 debutantes presented alongside their partners. It was a truly special evening, marking an important moment in the lives of these young people as they step forward into a new chapter. Seeing them so poised and confident was inspiring - leaders in the making, full of potential and optimism for the future. Congratulations to all involved in delivering such a beautiful and well-run event.

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The Burdekin Show has also come and gone for another year, and what a fantastic event it was. We were fortunate to enjoy fine weather, which made for a great day out for families and visitors alike. It was especially pleasing to meet a group of young backpackers taking a well-earned day off to enjoy the Show.

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They spoke so highly of our community - our openness, friendliness and lifestyle, and it is always encouraging to hear how much people appreciate what we often take for granted here in the Burdekin.

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Council has now handed down its 2026/27 Budget, which takes a practical and forward-looking approach to the future of our region. We are proud to report that our general rates remain among the lowest in the State. This Budget reflects our commitment to the theme “Sustainable Growth, Security Tomorrow” - investing in the infrastructure our community needs now, while carefully planning for the years ahead.

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We recognise that many households are facing financial pressures, and Council has been mindful to strike a balance between affordability and maintaining essential services. Flexible payment options and support are available for those who may need assistance, and I encourage residents to reach out to Council if required.

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With school holidays now underway, I encourage families to take advantage of the many local activities on offer. Our libraries and community spaces are hosting a range of programs to keep young minds engaged and entertained throughout the break.

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As always, thank you for being part of what makes the Burdekin such a vibrant and welcoming community.

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Should you wish to reach out, don’t hesitate to contact me directly by phone at 0447 150 582, or feel free to send an email to mayor@burdekin.qld.gov.au.

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There is a lot of talk about the future of regional Queensland, but if you want to see where the Burdekin is heading, you don’t need a spreadsheet. You just need to look at our local workshops, worksites, and businesses.

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You need to look at our apprentices and trainees.

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For a long time, there was a belief that to "make it," regional kids had to pack their bags for the big cities. But here in the Burdekin, we prove every day that you can build a first-class career right here in your own backyard.

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When a local business takes on an apprentice, they aren't just filling a vacancy, they are investing in the survival of our community. Keeping our young people local means keeping our sporting clubs full, our volunteer groups alive, and ensuring the next generation is here to raise families in Ayr, Home Hill, and our districts.

Council plays its part by hosting trainees and apprentices across our departments, but the real heavy lifting is done by our local businesses and contractors. Taking on a young worker takes time, patience, and money. To every Burdekin business owner who backs our youth, thank you! You are the backbone of our economy.

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To the young men and women currently turning spanners or learning a trade, stick with it. The skills you are learning right here are world-class.

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Let’s keep backing our kids, supporting our local shops, and keeping the Burdekin the best place in the North to build a life and raise a family.

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Learning environments across four schools in the Burdekin are receiving a welcome boost as part of the 2026/2027 State Budget handed down last week.

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Member for Burdekin Dale Last said the boost to infrastructure at Brandon State School, East Ayr State School, Jarvisfield State School and Millaroo State School strengthens the future for some of the Burdekin’s youngest residents.

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The 2026/2027 State Budget will deliver upgrades to the school oval at Brandon State School; additional shade and lighting at Jarvisfield State School; upgrades to the multipurpose court at Millaroo State School; and a new hard shade structure at East Ayr State School.

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“Our small schools are at the heart of our community, so I am proud to see the Crisafulli Budget delivering for our rural students with the improved learning environments they need to continue to grow and learn,” Mr Last said.

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“The investment of more than half a million dollars will see sporting areas upgraded, new shade areas and a boosted tuckshop across the four schools.”

“At the same time we’re providing an increased $150 Back to School Boost and Play On! Sports Vouchers meaning our youngest residents have access to improved learning environments and strengthened opportunities.”

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Mr Last said the boost for Burdekin schools reflected the Crisafulli Government’s commitment to help Queensland kids catch up, keep up and stay in school.

“This year’s $23.1 billion Education budget will see a half a billion dollar increase to strengthen the foundations for a fresh start for all Queenslanders,” Mr Last said.

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“In conjunction with delivering the infrastructure our schools need, the Crisafulli Government has already delivered 1350 more teachers and teacher aides across the state to help kids catch up, keep up and stay in school.”

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“As the Member for Burdekin, I’m proud to work closely with the schools in my electorate to ensure our regional students are afforded the learning environments they need to succeed.”

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Supplied by the Office of Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP

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Brothers Josh, Ross and Chris Pirrone on their Pirrone Brothers farm just outside Ayr

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A first-of-its-kind, Burdekin-grown zucchini flower vodka has beaten a horde of international competition to win gold at last month's World Drinks Awards in London.

The drink, which uses zucchini flowers grown by brothers Josh, Ross and Chris Pirrone just outside Ayr, took out the ‘World’s Best Botanical Vodka’ title at the prestigious event.

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Pirrone Brothers co-owner Josh said the victory justified his last-minute decision to fly across the world, collecting the accolade on behalf of the family business and Yeppoon-based Reef Distillers.

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“I told [the organiser] I’m only gonna come if we win. He said, ‘I can't tell you, but it'll be worth your while’, so I just booked it on that,” Mr Pirrone said.

To qualify for the award, the zucchini flower vodka first had to rank highest nationally—which it did, after a round of blind sampling.

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The five highest-scoring countries were then deemed finalists, before Pirrone Brothers were announced winners at the 2 June event.

The ceremony brought together producers, distillers, and drinks professionals from around the world to the Waldorf Hotel, celebrating innovation and excellence in the industry.

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Mr Pirrone relished the opportunity to network with international distillers, albeit with some language difficulties. He said the victory was made sweeter by the sheer level of competition their unique concoction beat out.

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“Making small talk with the guests at the pre-drinks was pretty hard, because there were French people, Italian dudes…,” he said.

“Some of these guys had been doing it for 10, 20, 30 years. It’s their livelihood. So to win the award against them was pretty cool.”

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The idea for the award-winning spirit was first conceived in early 2025, with the recipe, production and branding process taking almost a year before being finalised in December.

Mr Pirrone said he initially approached multiple distillers with the idea of producing a vodka using his farm produce, before eventually partnering with Reef Distillers.

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“I just wanted to do a vodka and I spoke to a few people, but there wasn’t much interest,” he said.

“When I got in touch with Reef Distillers, Laura suggested using the zucchini flowers, and it kind of clicked from there.

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“It wasn’t intentional. It was more of a collaboration of ideas and we just ran with it.”

The drink's success has encouraged the family to explore other unique avenues, with Mr Pirrone revealing an eggplant pickle could be the next product to hit the market.

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“We’ve got an eggplant pickle recipe that we’re fine-tuning at the moment,” he said.

“Hopefully in the next two or three months we’ll start selling that and put it out there.”

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The luncheon on Sunday 19^th July, will feature a special guest appearance from ABCF Director Vanessa Fowler. Photo source: website/Allison Baden-Clay Foundation

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A Burdekin woman inspired by recent domestic violence awareness events is bringing a community luncheon to the region next month, hoping to spark further conversation around coercive control, respectful relationships and the impacts of domestic violence.

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The ‘Strive to be Kind’ luncheon, organised by local resident Alexandria Lange in conjunction with the Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre and the Allison Baden-Clay Foundation (ABCF), will be held at Silver Screens n’ Coffee Beans on Sunday 19th July to raise awareness and support for domestic violence prevention initiatives.

“It's about spreading the message of kindness … and awareness of domestic violence and its impacts on the community,” said Ms Lange.

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“I attended the DV prevention walk in May, and was really impressed by what the DV network and the police did there. I also attended the PCYC event, and have just been greatly inspired by all those people.

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“I wanted to see more events like that happening so we can spread the message further—the message of kindness, and of community coming together to create safer, respectful relationships in our communities.”

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The luncheon will feature a special guest appearance from ABCF Director Vanessa Fowler OAM.

The sister of Allison Baden-Clay, who was tragically murdered by her husband in 2012, Ms Fowler played a major role in the formation of the Foundation, taking on multiple executive roles.

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She has since been the driving force behind Strive To Be Kind Day.

Bowen martial-arts instructor Deb McLean will also present on the day.

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Ms Lange called the pair “inspiring,” and hopes attendees leave with a similar impression.

“I really hope this luncheon encourages inspiration—one more conversation, one more act of kindness, one more person to support the foundation's work. If we can do that, then we've already made a huge difference,” she said.

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Ms Lange encouraged the community to support the event in any way possible.

“I would really love it if the community got behind us—community members, businesses, everyone,” she said.

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"If you could contribute in any way, whether that's buying a ticket and coming along to the event, or donating to the ABCF. It doesn't matter how small.”

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The event will begin at midday, with a meal and raffle prizes up for grabs. All proceeds will be donated to the ABCF.

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Tickets can be purchased at the Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre on 40 Chippendale Street, Ayr.

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Invicta Mill (pictured) led weekly throughput with 129,947 tonnes crushed (season to date 350,719 tonnes). Photo source: website/Wilmar

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The Burdekin sugar industry has pushed through the 900,000-tonne mark for the 2026 season, with mills recording another strong week of crushing and CCS levels continuing to track well above budget.

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For the week ending 20 June 2026, total cane crushed reached 346,651 tonnes, bringing season-to-date throughput to 900,378 tonnes. The weekly total was described as above budget, with steady factory performance across all four mills.

Invicta Mill led weekly throughput with 129,947 tonnes crushed (season to date 350,719 tonnes), followed by Pioneer with 78,843 tonnes (183,432 tonnes season to date), Kalamia with 76,682 tonnes (186,631 tonnes), and Inkerman with 61,179 tonnes (179,596 tonnes).

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Average weekly CCS for the region rose to 14.23, well above the budgeted figure of 12.98 and slightly higher than the season-to-date average of 13.97. Individual mill CCS results were also strong, with Kalamia recording the highest weekly result at 14.86, followed by Pioneer and Invicta both at 14.31, and Inkerman at 14.03.

Industry officials reported that Invicta and Inkerman mills undertook their first cleaning intermissions for the season last week, with Kalamia and Pioneer scheduled to follow on Tuesday 23 June as part of routine maintenance to sustain factory performance.

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Variety performance data showed Q240 continuing to dominate the crush at 40 per cent, delivering 13.83 CCS. KQ228 accounted for 31 per cent at 14.51 CCS, followed by Q183 at 15 per cent with a strong 14.88 CCS. Smaller plantings included SRA23 at 5 per cent (14.73 CCS), WSRA17 at 3 per cent (13.91 CCS), and Q208 at 2 per cent (13.73 CCS).

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The highest CCS recorded for the week was 17.30, achieved from a rake of Q183 plant cane supplied from the Mulgrave productivity district.

With school holidays approaching, cane supply officials are urging caution around the rail network.

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Locals and visitors are also being reminded to “use your train brain” and always give way to cane trains as the season continues to ramp up.

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