Our Structure
CANEGROWERS operates as a single organisational entity, representing its members’ interests at area and district level, and in state, national and international forums.
Structurally the organisation comprises autonomous business units at the various levels, which are controlled by elected grower directors.
CANEGROWERS represents growers, directly and indirectly, on every important body involved with the Australian raw sugar industry, ranging from purely local issues to matters of global importance.
Policy, strategic direction and the range of services provided are determined by practising cane grower members who are elected by the membership every three years.
The organisation’s peak body is Queensland Cane Growers Organisation Ltd, based in Brisbane. Each of Queensland’s 24 sugar milling areas supplies a member of the Board.
In cane growing regions, grower-controlled companies operate CANEGROWERS offices from which professional staff provide a range of services and represent the special interests of members locally.
The operations of CANEGROWERS are funded at all levels through annual fees paid by those growers who choose to become members, supplemented by income from various commercial activities. Members determine the amount of the membership fee, which is generally calculated on the basis of an amount per tonne of cane harvested.
Role of the District Offices
Originally formed in 1926 as a statutory body, the Queensland Cane Growers Organisation (QCGO) has been transformed into a new unified organisation providing leadership, representation and services for its members at local, regional, state, national and international levels.
The original CANEGROWERS statutory base of a State peak body, 14 District Executives and 26 Area Committees has been converted into a modern group of independent corporations working together to promote and protect the interests of voluntary cane grower members.
This transition has been achieved whilst maintaining a strong focus on our principal activity – representing the Queensland sugarcane growers who contribute over $1 billion annually to the State’s economy and underpin the economic stability of many regional and local communities.
The corporate transformation had its origins in a switch to full voluntary membership in 2001. This was followed by establishment of 17 new CANEGROWERS corporations in 2004-05, creating a group of like-minded grower entities that share common ideals and values.
This new corporate structure provides local autonomy and control of assets. The new corporations are well placed to deliver improved representative outcomes and member services. Local autonomy and direct representation plus input into the peak body are vital elements of an influential, united, statewide organisation that has more than 90% of Queensland cane growers as members and the recognition of government.
Working together
Each company within the CANEGROWERS organisation has an interlinking Constitution with QCGO Ltd that facilitates common membership and direct representation of the local company on the Board of the peak body, Queensland Cane Growers Organisation Ltd. This ensures that QCGO Ltd’s strategic direction and policy deliberations reflect the views of all stakeholders.
Autonomous local corporations determine the scope of operations and services appropriate to their members. At the same time they are able to combine their resources to ensure a powerful voice for growers at state, national and international levels.
The principal object of corporations, as defined in their Constitutions, is to represent and act for the benefit of all members. Because the organisation has voluntary membership it is important that outcomes achieved by the organisation are for the exclusive benefit of members.
The relevant local corporation owns all local assets. The prime purpose of each CANEGROWERS company is to represent the interests of and service the needs of members. Therefore, assets are applied for the benefit of members exclusively. Each Constitution specifically ensures that assets cannot be distributed back to members; this allows the organisation to maintain its not-for-profit, tax-free status.
About the Board
Cane grower members of the CANEGROWERS organisation elect company directors every three years to determine policy on behalf of all growers, both locally and at peak industry level. The Board of CANEGROWERS comprises 24 grower representatives, one from each sugar milling area in Queensland. This Board meets quarterly, or more frequently if necessary. Between Board meetings, the CANEGROWERS Executive comprising the Chairman and two Vice Chairman, meet with the General Manager to address developing issues.
Elections
Cane grower members of the CANEGROWERS organisation elect company directors to determine policy on behalf of all growers, both locally and at peak industry level.
All directors of the organisation are cane growers. The term of office is three years unless otherwise determined by the relevant corporate Constitution. Directors are paid a meeting fee or an annual allowance as determined by the members of the relevant company.
