The Evolution Of QCAR Continues Cane Supply Agreements And Other Organisational Activities

With cane supply agreements underway across the state, Queensland Cane Agriculture & Renewables (QCAR) continues to fulfil its promises made to the industry and its members.
QCAR CEO Panikos Spyrou said Cane Supply Agreement negotiations are well underway in the Herbert, while in the Mackay region, negotiations are nearing full completion as QCAR strives to achieve innovative outcomes for its members across the state.
“We are satisfied that we have been able to achieve the desires of our membership as specifically requested by them to us,” Mr Spyrou said.
“We’re feeling quite comfortable that we’ve made some very significant progressive steps and that is very indicative of how a commercial negotiation should take place.”
QCAR has also been approached and chartered by individuals to commence cane supply agreement negotiations in the Plane Creek and Proserpine regions.
Mr Spyrou said QCAR ensures to engage in negotiations in accordance with the requirements of the Sugar Industry Act and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).
“Each grower and miller must engage in a Cane Supply Agreement in order to be compliant with the Sugar Industry Act with regards to the supply of sugar cane to a factory,” he explained.
“The sugarcane industry is quite unique in the regard that the Parties are compelled to have a Cane Supply Agreement in place prior to any supply and receival of sugarcane to avoid contravention of the Sugar Industry Act.
“Our role is to prepare, negotiate, draft, review and provide aftercare services throughout the negotiation and term of the Agreement.”
The ongoing negotiations are yet another example of QCAR’s commitment to advocacy for growers across the state.
Meanwhile, Mr Spyrou said he is impressed with QCAR’s Burdekin members who have embraced the organisation’s growth to include farmers from across Queensland.
“Our Burdekin members have allowed this growth to happen by welcoming others with open arms and allowing us to expand resources and spread our time and efforts across multiple regions,” he said.
“That’s a true testament to the Burdekin farmers in this organisation.
“We are a progressive organisation with a very progressive board who are consciously making positive and continual restructures as the evolution of QCAR continues.”

Examples Of QCAR’s Commitment To Ongoing Growth And Support For Queensland Cane Farmers
   • Establishing representation across the state of Queensland
   • Changing the organisation’s name to Queensland Cane Agriculture and Renewables to reflect a statewide focus
   • Continual collaboration with likeminded and progressive thinking organisations
   • Establishing an office and personnel in the Herbert with Senior Agricultural Technical Officer Lawrence Di Bella alongside Administration Officer Anna Di Bella driving membership in the region
   • The negotiation of cane supply agreements in the Mackay region
   • Growing in the Mackay region with the establishment of an office and the hiring of a Central Queensland District Manager
   • Assisting members mainly across the Herbert and Burdekin who have been audited by DES (The Department of Environment, Science and Innovation)
   • Developing a harvest/haulout drivers course with HR license compliance across Herbert and Burdekin regions and facilitation of multiple in-house Driver Pilot/Escort Accreditation Courses
   • Supporting and advocating for members with regards to harvest grouping applications, siding access issues and potential capital works for infrastructure upgrades
   • Engaging with incumbent sugarcane millers as well as emerging companies such as JetZero and the like working towards QCAR being the preferred underlying sugarcane provider for the raw feedstock required for Sustainable Aviation Fuel plants and other green energy project initiatives which support  QCAR’s Circular Bio Economy strategy
   • Working with agronomy businesses to assist farmers and members manage their cost of production through input cost procurement programs
   • Writing comprehensive submissions and participation in various government and non-government hearings to a suite of critical matters directly impacting members
   • Developing Nutrient Management Plans and aftercare assistance to QCAR’s entire membership through Senior Agricultural Technical Officer, Mr Lawrence Di Bella
   • And the list goes on!

Pictured is QCAR’s very humble and down to earth CEO hard at work behind the scenes at QCAR Central
QCAR have erected billboards throughout north Queensland

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