Hinchinbrook MP celebrates the start of the 2024 sugarcane crushing season

Hinchinbrook MP and KAP Deputy Leader Nick Dametto.

5 July 2024

Katter’s Australian Party Deputy Leader and State Member for Hinchinbrook, Nick Dametto, has welcomed the commencement of the 2024 sugarcane crushing season, highlighting its pivotal role in the local economy and acknowledging the perseverance of farmers, harvesting contractors and mill workers amid various challenges.

“It’s gratifying to see that the 2024 season has kicked off. A lot of hard work goes into growing our district’s crop and preparing for the harvest and crush,” Mr. Dametto stated.

“The start of the sugarcane season is a very busy but exciting time, it’s great to see harvesting crews back in the paddocks, locos transporting cane and the mills crushing once again.

“Sugarcane is the lifeblood of the Hinchinbrook Shires economy, and most that live in our district conduct their lives and businesses around the sugar industry. Our town does well when the sugar industry is doing well and we must remember the two are intrinsically linked.

“After what’s been described as an “old” wet season, I’m sure everyone is eager to see some sun and dry days ahead.

“The season’s beginning was marred with the ongoing pay dispute between Wilmar and our mill workers which left many nervous about the final stages of mill maintenance and cast doubt over the season start dates.

“I understand that the ongoing dispute between Wilmar and the unions has caused significant concern for growers regarding the impact it could have on the crushing season.

“It’s a relief to many that despite the issues, the season got underway and credit to each and every worker who continues to hook in and get the job done despite these ongoing challenges.

“Thursday and Friday was the Ingham Show, and traditionally wet weather sets in to slow everything down. Now that that’s behind us we’re all praying for a bit of dry weather to ensure we can get this 4.1 million tonne crop off as soon as possible.

“Thank you to our farmers, harvesting contractors, mill workers, those who work at the Lucinda bulk sugar terminal, and your supportive partners and families, you are the ones who keep our local economy alive.”

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