With more than 100 people turning out to the Mossman AgFutures Field Day held on Saturday morning at the Mossman Showgrounds, Member for Cook David Kempton says there is reason for hope and optimism for the Mossman farming community.
Whilst there is no silver bullet for the long-term transition from cane, the event highlighted the importance of government support in terms of financial advice, agronomic expertise, farm planning strategies, water resource management, and mental health and wellbeing support.
Among the potential options discussed were timber, sorghum, soybeans, beef cattle, cocoa, and bana grass.
David Kempton stressed that access to water is pivotal to the success of high value crops and double plantings.
“Water is essential for supporting industries and agriculture. Expanding access to year-round water access will create opportunities for new agricultural ventures,” Mr Kempton said.
Mr Kempton also mentioned that the government is currently reviewing the available water in the immediate area.
“The funds for the farming community are not prescribed or time-limited. As Graeme Bolton DG of DPI said there is $6 million available to assist farmers; however, we need your ideas. I encourage you to come forward with your proposals for support, whether that includes agronomy or financial advice at an individual level and industry level.”
Mossman CANEGROWERS Chair Matt Watson said the event was beneficial and embraced by the farming community.
“It was very, very well received from all the growers and the other government parties that were there. I got a chance to catch up with a few people myself and to hear from people who want to do things in the area,” Mr Watson said.
“Government departments also commented that they had a lot of people talking to them and taking their cards. While everyone may not speak to them there and then, generally, people will follow that up later on, one-on-one.”
Executive Director of North Region Water Resource Management, Ingrid Fomiatti Minnesma emphasised the need for farmers to understand that water is specific to their location.
“We need to know what water you require and where. Additionally, we need to identify whether it is groundwater, surface water, or overlay flow water,” she explained.
Executive Director Fomiatti Minnesma also mentioned the ‘Unlocking water project’ aimed at ensuring that vital industries, supply chains, and communities have the water they need to thrive and sustain economic growth. She encouraged further discussions around water and the establishment of a working group.
Douglas Shire Council Deputy Mayor Roy Zammataro said the Mossman AgFutures Field Day was a positive event for the region’s farming future.
“Saturday was all about looking ahead and exploring what’s possible for local agriculture,” he said.
“It was encouraging to see growers, industry leaders and the community come together with a shared focus on innovation and sustainability.
“Hopefully, the connections made at the field day will help identify new opportunities for those farmers transitioning away from sugar cane. Douglas Shire Council is committed to supporting that journey.”
The event was hosted by the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) in collaboration with the Douglas Shire Council. Minister of Primary Industries, Tony Perrett, sent his apologies for being unable to attend.
Photographs courtesy of David Kempton’s office.
