Growers demand commitment on power prices and insurance

With just days remaining until the Queensland election, CANEGROWERS is urging political leaders to commit to critical reforms that will lower soaring power prices and eliminate unfair stamp duties that hinder farmers’ ability to manage risk, CANEGROWERS call for lower power prices.

“The current demand-based tariffs are designed for constant, year-round use—not for farmers who depend on electricity in bursts during the growing season,” Mr. Galligan said. “We need genuine tariff reform, not superficial fixes.”

CANEGROWERS CEO Dan Galligan highlighted that Queensland’s sugarcane growers have been hit hard by a 145% increase in electricity prices since 2007, significantly outpacing general inflation, which has risen by only 56% during the same period. This has put immense pressure on the productivity and competitiveness of growers.

Current electricity tariff structures disproportionately penalise farmers who rely on seasonal power usage for growing food and fibre. CANEGROWERS is calling for a shift towards equitable, consumption-based tariffs. The organisation, alongside the Queensland Farmers’ Federation, is also advocating for raising the threshold for large electricity customers from 100 megawatt hours (MWh) per annum to at least 160 MWh/a, allowing more farmers to access fairer rates.

“The current demand-based tariffs are designed for constant, year-round use—not for farmers who depend on electricity in bursts during the growing season,” Mr. Galligan said. “We need genuine tariff reform, not superficial fixes.”

CANEGROWERS is also pushing for the removal of the 9% government stamp duty on crop and parametric insurance products. This tax discourages farmers from safeguarding their businesses against natural disasters, making insurance unaffordable for many.

“Eliminating this tax is a no-brainer,” Mr. Galligan stated. “By removing the stamp duty, the government would encourage farmers to protect themselves from floods, droughts, and cyclones, reducing their dependence on government aid.”

Despite the clear benefits, neither major party has committed to abolishing the stamp duty or lowering power prices for agriculture.

“The lack of political action on these issues is disappointing,” Mr. Galligan said. “Farmers remain exposed to disasters due to a tax that makes essential insurance unaffordable. With the election just days away, this is the last chance for political leaders to show their support for Queensland agriculture.”

Vigilance Urged to Combat Invasive Giant Devil’s Fig

By Robert Heyward

North Coast landholders are being called upon to stay vigilant against the spread of Giant Devil’s Fig (Solanum chrysotrichum), a highly invasive woody weed that poses a significant threat to agriculture and natural ecosystems. This problematic species is prevalent in grazing lands, waterways, forests, roadsides, parks, and gardens, particularly in the coastal regions of northern and central New South Wales.

Ashley Donges, Regional Weed Coordinator for North Coast Local Land Services, highlighted the critical role of community involvement in controlling this invasive plant.

“Preventing the spread of Giant Devil’s Fig is crucial for safeguarding our agricultural productivity and protecting native ecosystems,” Donges said. “We urge all residents and landowners to actively identify and manage this weed to minimise its impact.”

Giant Devil’s Fig competes with desirable pasture species, leading to reduced agricultural productivity and increased costs. The plant contains toxins that can harm livestock if ingested in large quantities, and its sharp prickles can cause injuries to both humans and animals, as well as hinder access to water sources for livestock. In natural landscapes, the weed forms dense thickets that outcompete native vegetation, further degrading the environment.

“Our goal is to equip the community with the knowledge and tools needed to combat Giant Devil’s Fig effectively,” Donges continued. “By working together, we can mitigate its impact and protect our valuable natural resources.”

Under the NSW Biosecurity Act, all residents have a General Biosecurity Duty to prevent, eliminate, or minimise the biosecurity risk posed by Giant Devil’s Fig.

The weed can be identified as a shrub or small tree up to four meters tall, with prickly stems and hairy leaves when young. It produces small, white star-shaped flowers in clusters from autumn to spring, followed by round berries that turn yellow or orange-yellow.

For detailed identification and control methods, residents are encouraged to visit the NSW WeedWise website.

There is a Giant Devil’s Fig Exclusion Zone covering the local government areas of Bellingen, Clarence Valley, Coffs Harbour, Kempsey, Lord Howe Island, Nambucca Valley, and Port Macquarie-Hastings. In these areas, residents must notify their local council if the weed is found and eradicate it immediately. A Containment Zone covering Ballina, Byron, Kyogle, Lismore, Richmond Valley, and Tweed local government areas requires residents to prevent the plant’s spread, reduce its impact, and report sightings to Rous County Council.

For technical advice and assistance, residents can contact their local council’s weeds officer or consult resources available on the NSW WeedWise website. 

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NSW Aquaculture Industry Sets $300 Million Target for 2030

By Ian Rogers

The Minns Labor Government has pledged to collaborate closely with the aquaculture industry to double the farm gate value of New South Wales’ aquaculture sector to $300 million by 2030. This ambitious goal will be pursued through innovative research, ongoing investment in breeding programs, and a strong commitment to enhancing water quality.

The announcement was made in conjunction with the launch of the NSW Aquaculture Vision Statement during the national Oyster Industry Conference held in Port Macquarie, attended by over 300 delegates from across Australia and internationally. The Vision Statement outlines a comprehensive strategy for the development of the state’s aquaculture industries, focusing on seafood production, bioproducts development, and climate change adaptation.

Key initiatives to achieve the $300 million target include:

• Risk Management: Implementing a breeding program for the oyster industry, alongside exploring alternative species.
• Innovative Research: Conducting cutting-edge research at DPIRD research stations and in collaboration with industry partners.
• Expanding Marine Aquaculture: Identifying and opening new areas for marine aquaculture, including mussels, oysters, and algae.
• Environmental Benefits: Promoting the environmental advantages of aquaculture, such as the nutrient uptake capabilities of algae, oysters, and mussels, which contribute to water quality improvement.
• Streamlining Biosecurity: Simplifying aquatic biosecurity regulations to enhance access to interstate spat supply.
• Water Quality Enhancement: Protecting and improving water quality, a critical factor for sustainable aquaculture.
• Aboriginal Participation: Creating opportunities for Aboriginal communities to engage in aquaculture businesses.

The government, in partnership with the industry, will develop a detailed roadmap to guide the implementation of these initiatives, all aimed at reaching the $300 million goal by 2030.

The oyster sector, the cornerstone of NSW’s aquaculture industry, has seen rapid growth, with a 30 percent increase in farm gate value in 2022/23, reaching $78 million. This sector also contributes over $30 million to the state’s economy, providing thousands of jobs across production, wholesale, processing, retail, and agri-tourism. The industry’s commitment to water quality monitoring and marine environment protection remains a source of pride.

To support the industry’s vision, the Minns Government has announced a $3 million investment in upgrades at the Port Stephens Fisheries Institute. These enhancements will improve breeding and research facilities for shellfish, including oysters and finfish, fostering innovation in seafood production.

Additionally, financial support has been extended to aquaculture and commercial fishing businesses affected by natural disasters and aquatic diseases, such as the White Spot prawn virus and QX disease in Sydney Rock Oysters.

Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty, acknowledged the challenges faced by oyster farmers in recent years due to storms, floods, and climate impacts. Despite these obstacles, the increasing productivity of the industry reflects its resilience and the dedication of those who work in it. She emphasized that the NSW Aquaculture Vision Statement is a product of the collaborative efforts of oyster farmers, the aquaculture industry, and the government, all working towards a future where NSW-grown oysters are enjoyed both nationally and globally. The government’s investment in research and infrastructure aims to drive sustainable growth, resource development, and innovation within the industry.

Brandon Armstrong, Chair of the NSW Farmers Oyster Committee, expressed optimism about the future, highlighting the industry’s embrace of new opportunities and innovations. He noted that the recent conference served as an important platform for industry stakeholders to connect, share knowledge, and learn from one another, particularly as the Mid Coast region continues to recover from recent hardships.

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