What’s happening?
Queensland’s cane grower organisations united in a significant push to rally growers holding shares in Sugar Terminals Limited (STL) to participate in the critical G-class director election during the AGM yesterday 20 November 2024.
With voting now concluded, industry leaders await the election results that will determine representation on the STL Board.
Why it matters?
STL’s bulk sugar terminals are essential to Australia’s sugar export success, with 85% of the nation’s sugar heading to global markets.
These facilities, two-thirds funded by growers, are pivotal in ensuring cost-effective, reliable delivery of high-quality sugar.
The election sought to secure grower-directors with experience, passion, and commitment to safeguarding these assets against risks like unregulated monopolisation.
CANEGROWERS Chairman Owen Menkens emphasised, “We need grower-directors who will fiercely guard these critical assets in the interests of our industry.”
Local Impact
The outcome of the election will influence the long-term viability of Queensland’s sugar industry, impacting thousands of growers, their communities, and the local economy.
Representation on the STL Board ensures that growers retain a strong voice in decisions affecting the infrastructure they helped fund.
By the Numbers
- 85%: The portion of Australian sugar production exported to global markets, dependent on STL’s terminals.
- 90%: The share of the industry represented by the grower organisations urging participation.
- 2/3: The proportion of terminal funding provided by growers.
Zoom In
Two candidates competed for the G-class grower-director position:
- Paul Schembri, a 40-year veteran advocate, former CANEGROWERS Chairman, and leader in securing grower choice in marketing and industry protections.
- Troy Apps, a fourth-generation farmer and innovator who has led efforts to sustain sugarcane production in the Sunshine Coast region and contributed to industry efficiency through technological advancements.
The election gained endorsements from grower leaders like Don Murday (ACFA), Christian Lago (QCAR), and Robert Malaponte (KCGOL), who stressed the need for strong representation.
Murday described the election as “the right time to consider the future direction of STL,” while Lago highlighted the risks of unilateral decisions like the recent Operating Agreement termination with Queensland Sugar Limited.
Zoom Out
This election is a crucial moment for Australia’s sugar industry, reflecting broader challenges of protecting grower interests amid increasing corporate pressures.
The unified call to action demonstrated collective resolve to ensure growers maintain control over vital infrastructure.
What to Look For Next?
The STL Board will soon announce the election results, revealing who will represent growers’ interests in safeguarding the industry’s critical infrastructure.
The new grower-director will play a key role in shaping the strategic direction of STL and protecting grower investments.
