FIGHTING the state government's heavy handed proposed reef regulations will be among the priorities of Canegrowers chairman Paul Schembri, who has been re-elected into his role for the next three years.
Mackay based Mr Schemrbi, who will serve as chairman for a third term, will have the support of Burdekin district grower Owen Menkens and Plane Creek district grower Kevin Borg, who have been named as vice chairmen.
The appointments come after Canegrower members finalised their election process, which takes place every three years.
Mr Schembri said it was a privilege and challenge to help guide the industry into the future.
"I am delighted and humbled to have the support of my colleagues to continue as Canegrowers chairman," Mr Schembri said.
He said over the 13 district companies which make up Canegrowers, 86 growers had been elected to take on representative roles for the next three years.
Mr Schembri said their key priorities would be to encourage the continued Australian Government engagement with the World Trade Organisation to combat India's subsidies that were distorting the global market, leading to low returns for growers.
He said they would also continue to encourage sustainable farming, while fighting the State Government's heavy handed proposed new reef regulations.
"I wish all of my fellow directors well for the next three years as we face the challenges of a low-price environment and encourage continued Australian government engagement with the World Trade Organisation to combat subsidies that distort the world market," Mr Schembri said.
"We will also continue our work to chart a sustainable future for our farms and the Queensland environment while vigorously opposing the state government's big stick approach and attempts to grab private business data.
"We are all very busy running our businesses but have decided to take the time to give back to our industry and to help guide and nurture it for the future."
The appointments were made at a meeting of the Canegrowers Policy Council in Cairns this week.