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FREE NEWSPAPER
Tuesday January 28th 2025
GET AMONGST THE PROPERTY ACTION IN FORREST BEACH
1 Lannercost St 07 4776 5777
read on pages 14 - 15
QUEENSLAND POLICE SERVICE Revaluate your Driving for Safer roads
read on page 5
HOW SUGAR QUALITY CAN SHAPE OUR LOCAL ECONOMY Hinchinbrook Chamber of Commerce President Mary Brown and Queensland Cane, Agriculture & Renewables (QCAR) Herbert District Manager and Senior Agricultural Officer Lawrence Di Bella. Photo credit: Daniel Heggie;
T
he 2024 Cane Crushing season wrapped up on the 18th of December, leaving a number of sugar cane crops still standing in the fields. While this premature end signals a direct loss for local businesses, it’s not just the unharvested cane that could have lasting effects—it’s the quality and sugar content of the cane that really matters.
The key measure for growers is Commercial Cane Sugar (CCS), a standard used to assess the sugar yield from the crop. Growers are paid based on both the volume of cane they harvest and the CCS levels, which reflect the quality and sugar concentration. If the CCS falls short of expectations, it can mean a significant financial hit, with some farmers even receiving no payment at all. This typically be-
OFF-SEASON WORKSHOPS AND TRAINING By Canegrowers Herbert River
read on page 7
comes a concern in January when payments are processed and payment adjustments are made. While many in the Hinchinbrook region are aware of the impact these fluctuations can have, the wider community may not realise how closely the quality of the sugar cane is tied to the prosperity of local businesses and families. Continued on page 3
KEEP YOUR GARDEN BLOOMING IN THE SUMMER HEAT
2025 NORTH QUEENSLAND TRACK & FIELD Events Calendar
read on page 15
read on page 27
WE HAVE SOLD THESE PROPERTIES & LOOK FORWARD TO SELLING YOURS!
SOLD
SOLD
SOLD
SOLD
SOLD
FORREST BEACH HOME
TREBONNE HOME
INGHAM UNITS
TAYLORS BEACH HOME
MACKNADE CANE FARM
109 Cartwright Street, Ingham Phone (07) 4776 5007 Peter 0407 167 108 Felix 0417 641 830 www.reitano.com.au
CONTACT US TO ARRANGE TO GET YOUR PROPERTY ON THE MARKET!