FEDERAL MPs CALLED ON TO SUPPORT SUGAR PROGRAM

Primary Industries and Fisheries Minister Tim Mulherin today called on all Queensland Federal Coalition MPs to stand up for their state’s sugarcane industry and demand Commonwealth Government support.

“I am writing to key MPs, including Senator Barnaby Joyce, to help convince the Commonwealth that stopping the spread of sugarcane smut is in the national interest,’’ Mr Mulherin said.

“I fully understand why some people in the industry are concerned about the resources that are needed to do the surveillance work, destruction work and plant replacement work that’s required.

“But I have assured industry that the Queensland Government remains fully committed to the sugarcane smut response plan despite the lack of a similar commitment from the Commonwealth.

“The industry needs continue to work with the Queensland Government to control the disease.’’

Mr Mulherin also called on canegrowers in the infected area to support a voluntary destruction of the most severely affected cane – an area of about 47 hectares – in advance of the finalisation of an agreed destruction program that will include mandatory destruction of selected areas.

The destruction program is expected to be finalised, following industry input, in early October.

“The issues we are dealing with are becoming increasingly urgent because we need to progress our response to the disease for the good of the entire sugarcane industry,” Mr Mulherin said.

“We cannot afford to let up now and risk the disease spreading to other areas of the State or interstate.”

The Queensland Government has committed $15.6 million to the program over four years.

The Commonwealth Government had been expected to contribute a significant level of funding to support the sugarcane smut response program, along with the funding being provided by the Queensland Government and the industry.

Through its decision to abandon the Queensland sugarcane industry, the Federal Government has forced the industry to consider imposing a levy on producers in addition to the financial hardship they are already experiencing.

Media: David Potter 32396530