Growers Brace For Disaster Assessments As Wild Weather Lashes North   

A sugar cane advocacy group is working with the Queensland Government's disaster preparedness team, as severe weather threatens cane-farming communities across the state's north.  
 
CANEGROWERS CEO Dan Galligan attended a government briefing last week to ensure the industry’s concerns were heard as authorities ramped up their efforts to prepare for and monitor the unfolding weather event. 
 
Heavy rainfall inundated large parts of the region, with cane-growing communities such as Gordonvale, Hinchinbrook and Burdekin experiencing significant flooding.  
 
At the time of the meeting, the situation was still developing, with several low-pressure systems hitting the coast and the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) warning of the torrential downpours.  
 
“With cane-growing regions directly in the firing line, it is crucial that growers know that their industry organisation is working directly with government to prepare for all eventualities,” Mr Galligan said.  
 
At the time of the meeting, before the worst of the weather had hit, Mr Galligan said that some sugarcane regions had already recorded between 600mm and 700mm of rainfall since the start of the week.
 
“CANEGROWERS is working closely with the government to ensure our members will have access to the resources they need.” 
 
At the time, the BOM’s seven-day forecast indicated that up to three tropical lows could intensify, posing further threats to the region especially on top of high tides in the region.  
 
CANEGROWERS will continue to advocate for assistance measures to support any affected growers. Growers are reminded that if they are affected by this event, it is wise to register the impact with the Qld Department of Primary Industries impact survey at this link:https://bit.ly/3SBca3U.

Photo credit: CANEGROWERS

‍