Developing the vision of the Tully Sugar Industry : Final report CG002

Abstract

The project was successful in involving the community and industry sectors in a project which addressed the viability of an important industry facing a crisis. Community involvement provided an increased level of understanding of issues, and a recognition that all sectors needed to work closer together on issues, which were within their control.

The use of various tools by the DPI Continuous Improvement and Innovation Team clarified those opportunities within the control of local industry and allowed issues over which there is little control to be put aside.

It was the first time that many of the participants had been exposed to the tools and processes, and because the management team chose to include all who responded, there was insufficient time for follow up mentoring by the DPI Team. This resulted in some of the groups having difficulty in developing an implementation plan for their chosen opportunity based on critical success factors and KPI’s.

The project developed 3 groups who met regularly to develop plans for addressing identified industry issues. The industry forum at the end of the project was well attended and saw members of the groups actively participate in the presentations to the forum.

The project fostered a participatory learning approach, where growers and staff of various organizations worked on a solution to a problem. The vision was developed and a number of key opportunities of Value Adding, CCS Optimisation, and Best Practice were worked to various stages of implementation. The project has assisted the local industry to work more closely together in a more structured and logical manner.