Many times I see people question the value of our big industries. And of course we see big numbers published, especially when those industries need help. I am not the world's best at Maths, but it is worth thinking about how industries benefit our shire.

Cane obviously provided income for most of the people on rural land. The mill provided apprenticeships for our kids, many of whom were then able to move on to high paying mine jobs. The bin haulers, tractors etc needed tyres. The crush workers had money for meals and drinks. Their cars needed servicing. The flow on from an income stream like this can't be underestimated. And the truth of it is that if we lose that without some sort of replacement, people in our shire will suffer. 

Tourism is just as important. Not only does tourism bring employment, but it helps attract funding for public facilities, and cause private business to expand, creating more nice places to eat, drink and be merry. Tourism provides opportunity for all of us through investment in training facilities. It stimulates road development and investment in better ferries over the Daintree. Taking people to the reef and rainforest means there are openings for crew, and a need for vehicles and boats to be serviced. Tourists need cafes and supermarkets.

To me the numbers generated are meaningless. I can SEE when Pisot's tyre shop is busy during the cane season. I see the tourists in Woolies. I am aware of the numerous dining out options. I know people who have done apprenticeships at the Mill and have good jobs. I can see the training facility at Mossman Gorge. And more. All of us should be able to understand the benefits of these industries. It isn't hard.

That's why it is so crucial, that in the leadup to our state poll, we ensure that funding to help the cane industry to either survive or adapt and to market tourism is maintained. There has to be some plan to make sure that our rural industry is maintained in some form. And it is critical, especially given the current rural downturn, that tourism marketing is maintained. We must understand that both of these things are for all our benefit. TPDD can't run on air.

And while on the subject of numbers, I completely reject the notion that The Grand Fondo and Ironman inject the numbers that are bandied about. I am not suggesting that there is no benefit, just that it is much more moderate than the grand figures provided to the media, that are printed unchallenged. Ironman in particular attracts the same people again and again, and while they did move about a bit in the beginning, I struggle to see much of that any more. Port Douglas Daintree gets cut off for a day and the finish sign does not even mention us.