Miles Government to support Mossman workers, farmers and community

• The Miles Government is backing Far North Queensland canegrowers and community with a $12.1 million support package
• Mossman Mill was placed into voluntary administration in November
• Funding to either assist potential buyers in taking over the Mossman Mill, or help the community transition away from dependence on the facility

The Miles Labor Government is providing a $12.1 million support package to support Mossman mill workers, farmers and the community.

The financial support is earmarked to either assist a potential buyer for the Mossman Mill, or to help the community transition away from dependence on the facility.

The state will also seek matched funding from the Commonwealth Government.

The new $12.1 million package was agreed to during community cabinet in Cairns on Wednesday.

It comes after the Mossman Mill was placed into voluntary administration in November, despite the Queensland Labor Government providing $22 million in support to Far Northern Milling in 2019 and the Federal Government providing $25.9 million. 

Quotes attribute to Premier Steven Miles:

“We know the Mossman Mill has played a pivotal role in shaping the town, livelihoods and culture of the communities around it.

“What we also know is that the viability of the mill has tenuous a number of years.

“Our Government has heard calls from the community, which is why we made the decision to support the Mossman community again, this time with a $12.1 million support package.

“This package is different from the support we have given the mill operators in the past.  If a viable buyer isn’t found, the money will be spent helping workers, farmers and the auxiliary businesses transition away from their dependents on sugar milling.

“By doing this, the Queensland Labor Government is helping to provide this important regional community with more opportunities and a brighter future.”

Quoted attributable to Cook MP Cynthia Lui:

“We remain committed to working with the Mossman community.

“Of course, we would like to see the mill continue operations but our government is committed ensuring our workers, farmers and wider community are supported, whatever the outcome.” 

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

“Mossman growers invest a lot in their crop each year and we know they need certainty that they don’t leave that in ground.

“A well run, maintained and financially viable mill is essential to make sure this cane is refined into sugar.

“After supporting the Mossman Mill operators financially in 2019, it was disappointing to see it had once again gone into voluntary administration.

“That’s why our Government has decided to support the Mossman community with a $12.1 million transition program which will help mill workers, farmers and the community reduce their dependence on the mill.”

ENDS