General News
25 December, 2025
Water new ‘gold’ of farming
FIRSTLY, can I take the opportunity to wish all readers the very best for the upcoming festive season and a very happy start to 2026.
As we approach the end of the year, many in the Douglas Shire will no doubt reflect on the fact that we have now reached the second anniversary of Cyclone Jasper and the resultant floods.
This still presents a challenge for some in our communities, as does the turbulent year experienced by those in the sugarcane industry, plus those affected indirectly.
With this in mind, the recent Mossman AgFutures field day on Saturday 6 December resulted in a gathering of over 100 locals, keen to ask questions and discuss the future of the farming community across the Douglas Shire.
Organisations such as Queensland’s Department of Primary Industries (QDPI), the North Queensland Regional Forestry Hub (NQRFH), the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA) and Douglas Shire Council (DSC) were available to assist with people’s concerns.
Among the potential farming options discussed were timber, sorghum, soybeans, beef cattle, cocoa and bana grass.
Member for Cook David Kempton believes that, while there is no silver bullet for the long-term transition from cane, there is reason for hope and optimism for the Mossman farming community.
He said 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.
Mr 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 availability to year-round water access will create opportunities for new agricultural ventures,” he 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, director general 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.”
Mr Kempton, together with Ingrid Fomiatti Minnesma, executive director of North Region Water Resource Management and Mr Bolton, took part in the morning’s questions and answers session.
From the floor, local resident Christopher Saint questioned Ms Fomiatti Minnesma about the fact that some farmers had asked questions about licenses for taking water that they may need for new crops.
Ms Fomiatti Minnesma explained that granting of these would be on a case-by-case basis for both surface water and ground water.
Professor Saint, former research, development and innovation director at the Australian Water Quality Centre in Adelaide, also asked if there was some plan for ‘integrated water management’ or were they considering this into the future.
“This is the modern approach to maximising water resources ensuring continuity of supply all year by also using stormwater and treated wastewater as part of the overall mix and replenishing groundwater that can be drawn on in the drier months,” he said.
Ms Fomiatti Minnesma said they had a water plan, but it didn’t include this.
Mr Kempton said he believed something needed to be done quickly.
Ms 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,” she said.
“Additionally, we need to identify whether it is groundwater, surface water or overlay flow water.”
Ms 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.
After more general discussion, attendees and speakers felt that the AgFutures field day was an overall success.
Mossman Canegrowers chairman Matt Watson felt the event was beneficial and embraced by the farming community.
“It was very well received from all the growers and the other government parties that were there,” he said.
“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.
“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.”
Douglas Shire Council Deputy Mayor Roy Zammataro said the 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,” Cr Zammataro said.
“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.”
Well, after a tough year, hopefully 2026 will bring new opportunities.
In the meantime, I’m off to get in the festive mood, so for now it’s Gazza signing out.
Have a great Christmas.
Send your stories to gazza@cairnslocalnews.com.au
