New STL chair a chance to reset and rebuild trust

CANEGROWERS has welcomed the appointment of Peter Trimble as the new Chair of Sugar Terminals Limited (STL), describing it as an important opportunity to restore confidence and rebuild unity after a period of division and uncertainty.

CANEGROWERS Chairman Owen Menkens said growers will be looking to Mr Trimble to bring stability, transparency and genuine engagement back to STL leadership.

“Queensland’s sugar terminals are industry-owned assets. Growers paid two-thirds of the original construction costs, and today we continue to pay the bulk of storage and handling charges,” Mr Menkens said. “Growers deserve respect and transparency in return – and in recent years, they’ve felt neither.”

Mr Menkens said growers remain disappointed by the handling of the insourcing decision made in 2023, and the conflict that followed.

“The process associated with the insourcing decision damaged confidence and continues to cast a long shadow across the industry.” he said. 

“The appointment of Mr Trimble as Chair is a chance to reset, rebuild trust and restore constructive relationships. We want to see open communication, real accountability and a commitment to working with growers to ensure the success of the whole industry.

“Peter knows this industry, and we hope he brings a steady hand and a willingness to listen. The opportunity is there – now it needs to be taken.”

Mr Menkens also acknowledged outgoing Chair Mark Gray.

“We wish Mr Gray better success in his future endeavours. Hopefully he has learned some valuable lessons from the divisions left in the wake of his approach to stakeholders, and the impact of some of the decisions made during his time as Chair. Our industry deserves better, and this is a chance to get back on track.”