The LNP continues to demonstrate its commitment to protecting agriculture in the Bundaberg and Burnett region and throughout the state, according to Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett.
Mr Bennett’s comment follows a move by the LNP to force Wilmar Sugar and Queensland Sugar Limited to resolve their differences and reach agreement with their local growers on supply contracts.
Mr Bennett said he and the LNP had listened to growers and was putting their economic interests ahead of multi-national corporations.
“The LNP made common sense changes to the Sugar Industry (Real Choice Marketing) Amendment Bill in Parliament on December 2, 2015 and since then, the vast majority of milling companies have successfully negotiated with QSL regarding on-supply contracts (between millers and marketers) and provided growers with cane supply contracts which offer real choice in marketing,” he said.
Mr Bennett acknowledged local growers and mills for the maturity they had shown since the LNP brought the legislation in.
“Bundaberg and Isis mills, along with Maryborough, Mackay and Tully, have all been able to work through the new marketing contracts to provide their growers with genuine choice in marketing for their Grower’s Economic Interest (GEI) sugar,” he said.
“I thank our local mills and growers who have cooperated and got on with the job in the best interest of our growers.
“This is another example of the LNP showing real leadership and dealing with these issues as swiftly and efficiently as possible.
“We have listened, planned and are acting to ensure growers are not disadvantaged.”
[ENDS]
Tuesday, February 14, 2017