Discover the Sugar Industry with Our Exclusive Conference Tours - Friday 2 May 2025
We are excited to offer two fascinating field tours for our 2025 conference attendees. Both tours will be held on Friday, 2 May, starting from 7:00 AM. Join us for a chance to explore cutting-edge advancements in manufacturing and agricultural research.
Manufacturing Tour: RetroCast (Wynnum) & SRA Acacia Ridge
RetroCast is a leader in the manufacture and supply of ferrous and non-ferrous castings, forgings, fabrications, 3D printed parts, and assemblies. With their state-of-the-art technology, RetroCast collaborates with clients to model and manufacture projects using 3D scanning, 3D modeling, drawing, and inspection/test plans. They recently invested in a handheld scanner that allows real-time scanning and data transmission to their Met-Lab for 3D modeling with high-speed internet, improving accuracy and efficiency.
During the tour, you will have the opportunity to explore their impressive facilities and learn more about their work on key projects, including their contributions to the Isis Mill shredder project.
Additionally, the tour will include a visit to Sugar Research Australia (SRA) - Acacia Ridge, where attendees will have the chance to learn more about the innovative work SRA is doing to enhance the sugarcane industry through cutting-edge research and development.
Agricultural Tour: SRA Woodford Pathology Research Station
Located just under an hour and a half's drive from Brisbane CBD, the Woodford Pathology Research Station is a biosecurity zone dedicated to the screening of sugarcane clones at various breeding stages. The station focuses on identifying and researching sugarcane diseases, including smut, red rot, ratoon stunt disease (RSD), and mosaic virus. SRA pathologists also offer disease diagnosis services and training on disease identification, biosecurity, and management.
Additionally, we will visit UQ Gatton, renowned for its research and teaching excellence in agriculture, animal science, veterinary science, and environmental studies. Situated approximately one hour from Brisbane, UQ Gatton is ranked number one in Australia for agricultural research. Delegates will see: Laboratory for conducting molecular diagnostics for sugarcane diseases (UQ), Challenges associated with indexing soil health and molecular tools that have been developed to address it (UQ and Metagen), Mapping plant phenology with remote sensing and drone capabilities (UQ).
Don't miss the opportunity to visit these outstanding facilities and gain valuable insights into both the manufacturing and agricultural sectors.