Developing a cane supply and transport model for the Ord presented industry parties
with a unique set of needs and circumstances. The green field environment allowed the
industry to look at new and innovative solutions to old problems. There was no history
or legislation to influence attempts to develop an industry model that met the needs of
all participants. The industry was therefore able to develop a cane supply and transport
model requmng mInImum capital expenditure and minimal supervIsIon or
administration. Since its commissioning in the 1995 season, this system has operated
well, setting new benchmarks for safety, reliability and manning levels. The Ord sugar
industry has implemented a cane harvesting and transport scheme with: 24-hour
harvesting; a single cane harvesting contractor; a single canc transport contractor; canc
harvesting and transport costs being paid out of industry earnings, encouraging
decisions which are best for the whole industry; harvesting that proceeds in an orderly
and geographic sequence through the Ord valley; paperless consignment system,
electronic from the harvester through to the weighbridge through to the laboratory; no
manual entry of consignment data at the mill; unmanned weigh bridge and tip; and one
field officer.