Innovation in the region’s sugarcane industry will be on show this month with an open day at Sugar Research Australia on 29 August.
The organisation is hosting the event to showcase their research and provide the public an opportunity to tour the facilities in Welcome Creek.
Sugar Research Australia invests in and manages a portfolio of research, development and adoption projects that drive productivity, profitability and sustainability for the Australian sugarcane industry.
Mayor visits Sugar Research Australia site
Bundaberg Region Mayor Jack Dempsey was offered a tour of the facility on Tuesday and said the work coming out of Sugar Research Australia was second to none.
“The team of researchers and scientists at SRA are doing some really amazing things that not only benefit our region’s thriving sugarcane industry, but Australia’s agricultural sector as a whole,” he said.
“Their research is helping to improve our industry through productivity and sustainability.
“I thank the team for today’s tour and the fantastic information they provided.”
Innovative research
Principal technician at Sugar Research Australia, Alison Jensen, is part of the local crew working in the plant breeding sector of the organisation.
The Bundaberg researcher, along with many others at Sugar Research Australia, have been profiled on the company’s Facebook page as part of National Science Week.
“Broadly, the work that I do helps to maximise industry productivity,” she said.
“Recently I have studied the impact of different factors including variety rotation on pachymetra root rot.
“Both research and plant breeding is challenging and really interesting.
“It’s great working with growers or industry members and seeing the outcomes of work reach commercial fields.”
Alison said the number one tip she would give to aspiring scientists would be:
“The best scientists I know are people who take the time to think about what they are trying to achieve, plan their works and communicate with both the team they are working with and industry members,” she said.
The SRA Open Day will be held on Thursday, 29 August from 10am to 1. 30pm at 314 Pashleys Road, Welcome Creek.
Find out more about Sugar Research Australia on the website or Facebook page.