A Central Queensland University researcher is seeking the support of local canegrowers for a study she is completing right along the sugar growing areas of Central Queensland.

CQU’s Dr Jill Windle said the cooperation of local growers was vital to the success of her work and she is keen to hear what the cane farmers have to say on the future of the industry which determines their livelihood.

“We have heard many opinions on future directions for the industry, but we don’t often hear from the voices in the paddock, those actually involved with growing the cane and generating their income from cane farms,” Dr Windle said.

"To balance the debate, a survey of growers’ opinions needs to be conducted and that is what I am doing in the next few weeks.

The survey has been developed by Dr Windle who spent time working in the sugar industry in the Burdekin region and who understands some of the difficulties facing the growers. It has already been distributed in the Mackay, Sarina and Proserpine areas.

“At this stage of the project growers will receive a phone call to invite them to take part in the survey and upon their acceptance they will have the survey forms delivered to them personally.

“The survey questions were developed in consultation with various local farmers and other experts in the region and I am happy for participants to call me with any questions they may have about the survey. All participants will have the option to receive a copy of my final report.

More information on the survey is available from Dr Windle on 07 4930 9089 although she is based in Rockhampton, local Coordinator Graham Mc Kenzie is available in Bundaberg for a pic, he is gathering the data with the support of the local Cane Growers Association where his office is temporarily located. Call Graham on 07 4151 2555.

Bundaberg’s Sugar Survey Coordinator Graham McKenzie checks over the questionnaire being delivered throughout the Bundaberg sugar growing district this week.