MOSSMAN CANEFARMERS REJOICE - State confirms $6M cash windfall to assist cane transport costs, Gordonvale harvest

UNFOLDING DEVELOPMENTS

Michael Warren

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The State Government will provide up to $6M to assist farmers transport their cane to Gordonvale for harvest this year. Picture: Paul Makin

In a major, fast moving positive development Douglas Shire cane growers impacted by the devastating closure of Mossman Mill will now receive key financial assistance to crush this year’s crop after a state funding injection of up to $6M to help cover transport costs.

Just moments ago the State Government confirmed close to $6M of the $12.1 million support package announced in February for Mossman will be used to assist growers to transport their current crop down to Gordonvale and address any remaining standover cane.

Douglas Shire Council will receive a $5.9M grant to develop and implement the Mossman region transition program, building on the work of the Mossman region stakeholder advisory committee established by the Queensland Government.

The Mossman Mill was placed into voluntary administration last November, despite the Queensland and Australian governments providing nearly $48M in support to Far Northern Milling since 2019.

A key meeting will be held this afternoon at Mossman’s CWA Hall to update local canegrowers of this morning’s developments.

“Sugar is a lifeblood industry for Mossman. The closure of the mill has left locals devastated and is already impacting businesses,” Douglas Shire Mayor Lisa Scomazzon told Newsport.

“We will be working with growers and community members to identify new opportunities for the region, building on the excellent work of the Mossman region stakeholder advisory Committee.

“We’re grateful to the Queensland Government for ensuring this year’s crop is not lost and supporting locally led solutions as we look to Mossman’s future.”

A key QLD political figure was equally happy about today’s developments.

“I know the uncertainty around the Mossman Mill has been distressing for growers and the community,” QLD Premier Steven Miles told Newsport today.

“When I met with concerned locals at Cairns Community Cabinet earlier this year, they told me that funding to help with next steps was what they needed, so we have delivered that. 

“$6 million will go toward transport costs to get this year’s harvest to crush, which is critical for growers to be able to make money off this crop.

“Cynthia Lui has been a vocal advocate for the Mossman community and we will continue to support them.”

Another State MP was also happy about today’s news.

“We know that the closure of the Mossman Mill has created a lot of uncertainty for the Mossman community and Far Northern sugar industry,” Minister for State Development and Infrastructure Grace Grace said.

“We have listened to local concerns, and we are responding by unlocking $6 million in funding from the $12.1 million package announced earlier this year to support growers to crush this year’s crop.

“We’re also looking to Mossman’s future – my department will invest $5.9 million to support Douglas Shire Council to take over Mossman Region Transition Program, which will look at alternative opportunities the region may wish to tap into, whether that’s tourism, diversifying into different crops, or small business opportunities.

“The Miles Government is committed to supporting growers and communities impacted by the Mossman Mill closure.”

Cook MP Cynthia Lui also reacted to this morning’s developments.

“This is great news for the Mossman community and the region as a whole,” Ms Lui added.

“I know how important the sugar industry is for the Mossman area and the closure of the Mill has been difficult for the local community and businesses.

“This support package will go a long way to help our growers process this year’s crop and look to the future with funding for the development and implementation of the Mossman Region Transition Program.

“I’m proud to have fought for our local canegrowers and be part of a government that is supporting communities impacted by the Mossman Mill closure.”

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2.51PM 19/6

Australian Sugar Milling Council CEO statement/reaction

The Australian Sugar Milling Council’s CEO, Ash Salardini has expressed his relief and delight MSF Sugar and the Queensland Government have provided a way forward for Mossman growers to transport and crush their cane.

“We are delighted that growers will have an option to crush their cane, thanks to the efforts of MSF Sugar and the Queensland Government. The announcement by Premier Miles and Minister Furner today is great news for growers and the broader Mossman community," Mr Salardini remarked. 

Mr Salardini noted the announcement reinforces the economic and social value of the milling sector.

“Sugar mills are a significant contributor to the employment and economic well-being of regional communities, and MSF Sugar has really stepped up in providing a solution for Mossman growers and has provided some much-needed good news to the Mossman community” Mr Salardini told Newsport.

“The reality is that without the sugar milling sector, we don’t have a sugar industry, and Queensland loses its second largest agricultural export.

“There are so many opportunities in the sugar industry, whether its expanding into new markets on the international trade front or the exploitation of new opportunities in biomaterials, sustainable aviation fuel or the production of renewable electricity through cogeneration.”

 

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