National Farmers’ Federation President to Visit Queensland Sugarcane Heartland

David Jochinke, President of the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF), is set to experience the vibrancy of Queensland’s sugarcane sector during his visit to the Burdekin region this week.

Originally a grain and livestock farmer from Victoria, Mr. Jochinke will take advantage of Queensland’s splendid sunshine as he tours various farms across the region, engaging directly with local members of CANEGROWERS.

The visit coincides with the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of CANEGROWERS

Burdekin, where Mr. Jochinke aims to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities within Queensland’s critical sugarcane industry. “It will be great to have David here and get him out on the farm so he can hear directly from growers about the work they are doing and their hopes and plans for the future,” said CANEGROWERS

Chairman Owen Menkens.

CANEGROWERS, as a founding member of the NFF, maintains robust ties with the national organization, working closely on issues that affect their members and the broader agricultural sector. During his visit, Mr. Jochinke is scheduled to tour several farms before returning to the CANEGROWERS

Burdekin offce to meet with staff and directors and to address the AGM. Refecting on the signifcance of the sugarcane industry, Mr. Jochinke noted, “Given that sugarcane is Queensland’s secondlargest agricultural export, I am eager to gain frsthand insights into what makes the industry tick.” He also highlighted the broader policy challenges facing Australian farmers: “There is a deluge of bad policy ideas being thrown at farmers from decision makers in Canberra. It’s why I launched the unprecedented campaign, Keep Farmers Farming on my frst day in the job as NFF President.”

Mr. Jochinke expressed his anticipation of discussing with local growers the pressing issues that affect their livelihoods and their vision for the sector’s future, particularly with an eye toward the industry-wide goal of reaching $100 billion by 2030.

On Wednesday, his schedule includes a meeting with the local Burdekin Council, furthering his commitment to engaging with key stakeholders to advocate for and support the farming community effectively. This visit underscores the importance of direct dialogue between national leaders and local agricultural communities in shaping a prosperous future for the industry.

A month to have your say on a creek name in

LISMORE MP

Janelle Saffn says the Geographical Names Board is seeking community feedback on a proposal to rename a portion of Leycester Creek to Hanging Rock Creek.

The creek rises in Barkers Vale in the north and runs to Wilsons River at Lismore and was gazetted as Leycester Creek on 4 January 1974.

Historical evidence shows that the section of the river running north from Websters Creek to Barkers Vale has been known as Hanging Rock Creek since the early 1900s and over time, the name has been altered to Leycester Creek.

The proposal was submitted by a member of the local community and is seeking to rename the section of the river running north from Websters Creek to Barkers Vale as Hanging Rock Creek.

Ms Saffn said the Geographical Names Board is seeking feedback to gauge community sentiment for the proposed name.

Suggestions for alternative names are not being sought at this time, Ms Saffn said.

Details of the proposal can be viewed and submissions lodged on the Geographical Names Board’s website by visiting www.gnb.nsw. gov.au

Alternatively, written submissions may be mailed to the Secretary, Geographical Names Board, 346 Panorama Avenue, Bathurst, NSW 2795.

The closing date for submissions is 5 June 2024.