Sugarcane industry locks in grower leadership

Mr Menkens was returned to the role by the grower-only Policy Council, which also elected Innisfail grower Joe Marano as Senior Vice Chair and Herbert River’s Steven Marbelli – a newcomer to the state board - as Vice Chair.

“This is a grassroots organisation, run by growers for growers,” Mr Menkens said. “To be re-elected by my peers is an incredible honour. It shows the trust we’ve built and reflects the important work we still have to do.”

The appointments cap off CANEGROWERS’ triennial election process, which began in February when growers nominated for their local district boards. Those local elections concluded in April, with new district boards officially starting their terms on 1 May.

Each district board then nominated a representative to the Policy Council – one from each mill area. The newly formed Council met in Brisbane today for its first meeting, where it elected the state board, including the Chairman, Senior Vice Chair, Vice Chair, and board members.

This bottom-up structure ensures the organisation remains fully accountable and representative – from paddock to policy – with every leadership role held by a grower elected by fellow growers.

Also elected to the state board were returning members Joseph Borg (Mackay) and Kevin Borg (Plane Creek), and Michelle Fischer (Rocky Point), alongside three new faces – Glenn Betteridge (Burdekin), Claude Santucci (Tablelands), and Steven Marbelli (Herbert River).

While new to the state board, all three bring deep experience as district directors and Policy Council members, ensuring that this injection of new blood also comes with a solid understanding of the organisation and the issues it faces.

“The strength of this board lies in its mix of continuity and renewal,” Mr Menkens said. “With experienced leaders like Joe Marano and Kevin Borg alongside committed new board members like Glenn, Claude and Steven, we’ve got the right team to move the industry forward.”

The Policy Council will now establish a series of industry committees to lead focused work on key priorities including mill performance, supply chain efficiency, sustainability, diversification, and grower profitability. 

These committees will be made up of grower representatives who bring firsthand experience and deep regional knowledge to the table.

The board also welcomes new Policy Council members Leah Russo (Herbert River), Charles Papale (Burdekin), Brett Leach (Mackay), and Peter McLennan (Isis) joining a number of returning councillors.

“We’ve significant challenges ahead, but just as many real opportunities. This grower-elected leadership team is well positioned to shape a strong, sustainable future for Queensland’s cane industry,” Mr Menkens said.