Miles Government supports cane growers impacted by Mossman Mill closure to crush 2024 crop

• Miles Government committed to supporting growers and communities impacted by Mossman Mill closure
• $6 million allocated to help growers transport their current crop and address standover cane
• Douglas Shire Council to receive $5.9 million grant to develop and implement Mossman Region Transition Program

Far Northern cane growers impacted by the Mossman Mill closure will be supported to crush this year’s crop after a state funding injection of up to $6 million to help cover transport costs.

The Miles Government has today announced up to $6 million from the $12.1 million support package for Mossman will be used to assist growers to transport their current crop and address standover cane.

Douglas Shire Council will receive a $5.9 million 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 in November, despite the Queensland and Australian governments providing nearly $48 million in support to Far Northern Milling since 2019.

The Miles Government announced the $12.1 million support package for Mossman in February.

Quotes attributable to Premier Steven Miles:

“I know the uncertainty around the Mossman Mill has been distressing for growers and the community.

“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.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for State Development and Infrastructure Grace Grace:

“We know that the closure of the Mossman Mill has created a lot of uncertainty for the Mossman community and Far Northern sugar industry.

“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.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner:

“This is good news for the community of Mossman and growers who are now able to access a subsidy to transport and crush their cane at MSF Sugar’s Mulgrave Mill in Gordonvale.

“There’s about 300,000 tonnes of cane standing in fields and with the Queensland Government’s support, growers will be able to get a revenue from the 2024 crop.

“This will go a long way to supporting the sugar industry in Mossman moving forward.”

Quotes attributable to Cook MP Cynthia Lui: 

“This is great news for the Mossman community and the region as a whole.

“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.”

Quotes attributable to Douglas Shire Mayor Lisa Scomazzon:

“Sugar is a lifeblood industry for Mossman. The closure of the mill has left locals devastated and is already impacting businesses.

“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.”

ENDS