MEDIA RELEASE


12 October 2011: On farm change jet-powered by Reef Rescue: new report shows change in cane well ahead of schedule

The groundswell of onfarm change seen right across the sugarcane industry has been jet-powered by the Reef Rescue program, said peak group CANEGROWERS today as the Reef Rescue Impact Statement which evidences this transformation was released in Canberra.

A barrage of farmers exchanged boots for ties this week, taking the message of the wholesale change facilitated by the program to Canberra. Cairns Region cane grower Ray Vicaroli and Tully cane grower Mario Raccanello were part of the contingent, both seizing the opportunity to talk to the federal ministers at the launch about just how far the cane industry has come thanks to proactive programs such as Reef Rescue.

CANEGROWERS has long been an outspoken advocate of the Reef Rescue initative, describing it as a proactive and forward thinking program which brings about wholesale change. “Reef Rescue is supported by community and farmers alike,” says Steve Greenwood, CEO of CANEGROWERS. “Growers win as they are able to implement expensive projects sooner than they otherwise would have been able, and their local communities win in the knowledge that the latest sustainable technology and practices on offer are being bought on line as quickly as possible, protecting water quality and the beautiful environs in which cane is grown,” he said today.

“The cane growers attending the launch had the opportunity to explain first hand to federal politicians the good work occurring on their properties, and the positive impact this is having on the Reef and for their farm businesses.”

And with the enthusiastic buy-in from farmers, it is no wonder the program is blazing ahead – already achieving 90% of its five-year target, two years ahead of schedule. The impact statement reports that 1200 farmers have already undertaken projects to improve land management on properties in Great Barrier Reef water catchment areas. At this rate, the project is set to surpass the original target of 1300 farmers within five years.

Reef Rescue works by co-investing with land managers to give them an incentive to update machinery or infrastructure and to improve their management techniques. For every dollar that the Australian Government has invested in Reef Rescue, land managers have contributed an additional $1.73 of cash, labour or materials.

“The Australian Government has invested $200 million in this program, and we are seeing an enormous return on that investment. The sheer momentum of onfarm change this program has stimulated is testament to the importance that cane growers place on miniming their impact on water quality and protecting the Great Barrier Reef for future generations,” says Greenwood.

“This report is a timely pat on the back for cane growers. It shows we are doing our bit,” says Greenwood.


Media comment: Steve Greenwood | CANEGROWERS CEO | 0488 721 156
More information: Suzi Moore | CANEGROWERS Communications | 0427 641 239 or 07 3864 6444