Sugarcane group, Canegrowers, has released a list of actions it says government must address, to rebuild regional Queensland - or what it terms "a re-awakening economic powerhouse."

With a Queensland State election called for 24 March, Canegrowers says it has put together a robust advocacy agenda outlining how the government can play a strong role in rebuilding the strength of its second largest export commodity, sugarcane, and the strength of regional Queensland.

Canegrowers CEO, Steve Greenwood said that at the core of its advocacy position, are what it calls

‘The six R’s for rebuilding the strength of rural Queensland’:

1. Reinvest: in research and development

2. Remove inefficient government costs: water and electricity

3. Reduce green tape: accelerate innovation

4. Reinvigorate plans for: growth

5. Retain and enhance: biosecurity measures

6. Rebuild and reskill: workforce

Mr Greenwood said the Queensland sugar industry is undergoing an extensive resurgence, with large international corporations investing billions in sugar mills, and increasing land under cane.

“World sugar prices are at all-time highs and sugar demand is increasing with the world’s rapidly growing population,” Mr Greenwood said.

“The Queensland sugar industry is again moving to affirm its status as an economic powerhouse of regional coastal Queensland.

“The Queensland Government – regardless of which side of politics is at the helm – must take this opportunity to amplify the economic and social benefits of this revival by removing the barriers to sugar industry growth and development,” Mr Greenwood said.