Category: Other News

Miscellaneous news

SOLAR FLEX IRRIGATION INFORMATION SESSION

Kalagro

REMINDER – DONT MISS OUT

SOLAR FLEX FOR

IRRIGATION

HORAN AND BIRD CANEGROWER

INFORMATION SESSION

Energy prices continue to soar however the need for a source of energy is essential given irrigation requirements for the growing of sugar cane in the Burdekin region. Solar is a means to reducing the cost of energy consumption. Interested in gaining a better understanding of the benefits of utilising solar in order to improve farm viability? KCGO has arranged for a presentation by Horan & Bird to explain how solar can be utilised in farming operations, detail are in the attached flyer. Any members interested in attending please RSVP to KCGO office.

KCGO has invited two local growers to the information session who will provide insight into systems they have installed on their farms to include:

  • Experience with installation of system
  • subsequent savings made
  • pump cost/benefit analysis

KCGO Office – 47 831312 for RSVP

thumbnail of Cane Grower Information Session (1)

thumbnail of Farmer Brochure – v3

SRA APPOINTS GROWER REPRESENTATIVES TO BURDEKIN REGIONAL ADVISORY AND ADOPTION COMMITTEE

Kalagro

SRA APPOINTS GROWER REPRESENTATIVES TO BURDEKIN REGIONAL ADVISORY AND ADOPTION COMMITTEE

Anthony Curro, SRA Regional Co-ordinator Burdekin has announced that grower representatives for local districts to sit on the “Regional Advisory and Adoption Committee” (RAAC) for the Burdekin region as part of the new SRA Adoption Strategy have now been appointed.

Mr Curro said “It has been a lengthy, yet necessary process and I’m happy to say there was significant interest while canvassing for nominations”.

“Twenty eight candidates were put forward while taking into consideration the below criteria”.

Grower Criteria

  • Being open minded and able to constructively debate issues;
  • Having a successful business or professional profile with their peers (growers, millers).
  • Profit Orientated information seekers, with interest in new technology and innovation;
  • Recognised leaders in facilitating or trialling and adopting/adapting new technology;
  • Have an understanding of costs, key profit drivers and causes of variation in physical and financial performance across businesses in their sector.
    • read more

    Queensland Competition Authority

    Kalagro

    QUEENSLAND COMPETITION AUTHORITY – REVIEW OF IRRIGATION PRICES FOR SUNWATER AND SEQWATER’S WATER SUPPLY SCHEME

    On 29 October 2018, Queensland Competition Authority (QCA) received a referral notice from the Qld Government Natural Resources Minister Dr Anthony Lynham directing them to investigate pricing practices relating to the monopoly business activities of SunWater and Seqwater undertaken for irrigation services. Natural Resources Minister Dr Anthony Lynham said a comprehensive study by the QCA would underpin the irrigation pricing structures for years 2020-24.

    “The goal is for irrigators to have greater pricing certainty, simplicity and transparency to allow them to plan for future years,’’ Dr Lynham said.

    “As part of the review process, extensive consultation will be undertaken with stakeholders and water users to ensure we strike the right balance between the interests of customers and businesses. The QCA will be required to limit annual price increases similar to previous reviews.”

    “I encourage all SunWater and Seqwater irrigation customers to get involved in the QCA consultation process. The more customers that participate in the process – the more informed the Government will be when it is time to consider the QCA recommendations and lock in irrigation prices in 2020,” Dr Lynham said.

    The key objective of the investigation is to recommend irrigation prices for the period 1 July 2020 to 30 June 2024. The Government will begin its consideration of future prices with the release of the QCA’s draft report in August 2019.

    Public consultation will be a key part of the QCA’s decision-making process and QCA invites customers and other stakeholders to register to receive ongoing information about the investigation http://www.qca.org.au/Subscribe

    Depending on stakeholder interest, QCA also plans to conduct regional workshops during this investigation. Please register your interest in attending workshops http://www.qca.org.au/IrrigationWorkshops . Workshops with interested stakeholders are likely to take place January/early February 2019. read more

    SUNWATER AND LOWER BURDEKIN WATER RATES AND CHARGES

    Kalagro

    LOWER BURDEKIN WATER GROUNDWATER SURVEY

    I refer to our previous post of 31 October in relation to assistance available to growers to meet water rates and levy charges as well as text messages in relation to current LBW groundwater survey.

    Following LBW board meeting held last Thursday the following response has been received.

    “The Board have asked LBW Management to distribute a communique to all LBW groundwater irrigators and stakeholder groups, expanding on the information sheet provided with the initial survey letter and maps to each grower.  Kalagro’s queries will be addressed in this communique.  Management are scheduled to meet on the morning of Monday 5th of November, where the communique will be finalised and distributed shortly thereafter.

    The Board also considered your second request regarding an extension of the payment due dates and that no interest be applied to unpaid annual area rates and water invoices this year.  As per LBW policy, ratepayers may request to enter into a payment plan with LBW.  Each request shall be considered on an individual basis by either the Finance Manager or the Executive Officer, dependent upon the time period extension requested.  All payment plans entered into by LBW and ratepayers will be executed in accordance with LBW policy, including any applicable interest charges.”

    Les Elphinstone

    Manager KCGO

    Sunwater and Lower Burdekin Water Rates and Charges

    Kalagro

    SUNWATER AND LOWER BURDEKIN WATER RATES AND CHARGES

    Dear Members

    KCGO has made an approach to both SunWater and Lower Burdekin Water to ascertain assistance available to growers who may be facing financial hardship and not in a position to fully meet their current water charges payable given the current general downturn in the local sugar industry, eg. reduced tonnage and seasonal price unlikely to cover the costs of production.

    To date have received a response from Sunwater as follows:

    “we wish to advise that SunWater already offers payment plans for customers and irrigators who are presently unable to pay their invoice. While the specifics of the situation vary from customer to customer, any of your members or indeed any of our customers are free to call and talk to our accounts department. We have the facilities to set up interest-free payment plans with entirely reasonable payment schedules, usually whatever the customer can afford. 

    If you have individual members who are struggling, we would ask that you encourage them to contact us directly either by email or phone, and we will be happy to make arrangements for them. We understand these are trying times and wish to do what we can to assist.”

    Should members be having financial difficulty in meeting water charges please contact Sunwater direct via 13 15 89 or email http://www.sunwater.com.au/home/contact-us/customer-contact

    Further advices will be posted when a response is received from Lower Burdekin Water.

    Les Elphinstone

    Manger KCGO

    PEST MANAGEMENT – PURPLE SWAMPHEN (COOT)

    Kalagro

    PEST MANAGEMENT – PURPLE SWAMPHEN (COOT)

    It has been brought to KCGO’s attention by a number of members of their concerns at the increasing damage that is being caused by the Purple Swamphen (Porphyrio melanotus) to their plant and ratoon sugar cane crops. This would appear not to be restricted to the Kalamia area but is common throughout the district. Situation is being compounded by ever increasing population and the lack of natural predators.

    KCGO understands the Purple Swamphens are very difficult to relocate away from crops and culling is more than likely necessary to remove them. BPS have been approached to establish what pest management strategies are available to growers for the Purple Swamphen.

    BPS confirmed they are aware Coot damage is significant and over the last 4 years reported crop damage has ranged from 13000 to 5600 tonnes annually.  Last season around 8900 tonnes was reported and recorded by BPS.

    BPS have advised these are a protected species and the only way for control under government regulation is to apply for a damage mitigation permit – see attached application form.  Permit application can also be lodged online via www.des.qld.gov.au/connect. If any growers wish to apply for permit and the Department of Environment and Science (DES) require more information on district damage, or a letter of support verifying the damage, please contact BPS who will be willing to assist.

    Should growers require assistance in completion of permit application, please do not hesitate to contact this office.

    Les Elphinstone

    Manager KCGO

    p01394aa (1)