AS part of his northern observation tour, Senator Russell Trood met with Canegrowers Mackay chief executive officer Kerry Latter on Tuesday.

 

While admitting he had made few previous visits to the northern areas from his home in Brisbane, Senator Trood said he was becoming more convinced that decentralisation from the south-east corner of the state would be an advantage to Queensland.

 

“The central and northern areas are the wealth generators of Queensland and it follows that a central or northern city could be developed providing infrastructure was created,” Senator Trood said.

 

“I was interested to see Abbott Point in the Bowen area and to talk with the Bowen Growers Association.

“The port facility being developed at Abbott Point should be used for shipping not only coal, but local produce as well.

 

“It would make more sense than sending produce great distances south to be loaded on to boats.”

Senator Trood said he was pleased to see there was not too much damage done by cyclone Ului.

Mr Latter explained to Senator Trood that damage in some areas might be five to 10 per cent but in others could be up to 30 per cent loss of production.

 

“There was great variability in the damage done,” he said.

 

Senator Trood said although it had been a quick tour and he had only seen cane farms from the road, the cane was looking quite good.

 

“My discussions with Mackay Sugar Limited and Canegrowers Mackay have given me a positive picture of the industry,” he said.

 

“There are challenges in retaining land under cane and in retaining workers on the farms, but the industry has recognised these problems and is working towards solutions.”