Regional and Community Projects - Burdekin

Funding for Regional and Community Projects is an integral part of the Sugar Industry Reform Program (SIRP 2004).

Over three years, $75 million will be made available to support projects directed at restructuring or value-adding, to enhance sugar industry sustainability.

Funding for Regional and Community Projects is competitive, and at the discretion of the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.

Round 1 and Round 2 Regional Community Project funding has closed, with the following projects successful in the Burdekin region:

• Australian Sweet Forage Pty Ltd - Up to $362,500 to demonstrate a viable, efficient, cost-effective in-paddock bulk-handling and storage system that will use green cane tops to make a value-added product using new techniques. It will create employment opportunities and deliver environmental benefits and greater profits directly to farmers, while boosting the viability of mills and contributing to a healthier sugar industry.

• CSR Sugar Ltd - Up to $2,529,450 to construct a dual-gauge railway from the Browns Road intersection to the Pioneer Mill via Pelican Road. The proposal will enable the northern bank of the Burdekin Mill to be interconnected by a standard gauge railway, increasing the efficiency of transport in the Burdekin sugar industry.

• CSR Sugar Ltd - Up to $716,160 to develop information systems and knowledge-building processes to pass on information to farmers using precision agriculture practices in the Burdekin region.

Further Information

Guidelines and application forms for Regional and Community projects are available by contacting:

• Sugar Executive Officer - Terri Buono on 0408 981232 or 07 4783 1355
• Visiting http://www.affa.gov.au/rcp
• Calling the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry on 1800 098 071 or emailing sugarprojects@daff.gov.au

A third and final round of funding for Regional and Community Projects is expected in the second half of 2006.