Welcome to the Activity update for the month of January 2024 for the NSWCGA
The flow of issues into the office in January has been relentless. The link to the correspondence journal is on the website.
Farm Management Plans are being discussed as a possible proof of action to stem the media defamation of the cane industry. Matt Kealley from QLD CGA has offered templates and assistance. The idea is to pull together all the information farmers already have and collate it into one document that can be produced when needed to demonstrate the best practice of the industry.
The outdated “Rules” of the Association have been sent to Kerryanne Mackay (Solicitor) to review and update.
Association Liability Insurance has been secured.
Farm safety awareness is being pushed again and all growers have been sent NSW Farmers Org Farm Safety Program Information.
A letter was sent to the NSWFF asking them and the NFF, to approach the Government and request they register the importance of the Insurance situation and consider the joint underwriting of Rural premiums to control the price hikes.
Standard Terms and Conditions for the Supply, Processing and Payment of Sugarcane are up for review. The proposal for a 22-week season was submitted and will be tabled at the next meeting of the committee.
Red Imported Fire Ants were discovered in Wardell on the 20th which has triggered a plethora of emails, meetings, press releases, interviews and a submission to the Senate Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee Inquiry into Red Fire Ants.
There has been a five-kilometre exclusion zone set up around the known nests.
DPI have been meeting with the Wardell community to discuss control measures.
Fire Ants have the potential to cause major havoc to farmers and the general public.
You can follow the Senate committee inquiry here: https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate/Rural_and_Regional_Affairs_and_Transport/FireAnts
The next hearing will be on 04 March 2024 at Brisbane airport. The Reporting Date is 18 April 2024.
Amanda Scott from SCU has been approached to look into the Carbon footprint of cane growing. A meeting has been organised for the 8th of February.
The Harwood mill is turning 150 this year celebrations are being planned.