CANEGROWERS welcomes the commitment of the Federal Government to a grower-led future for Queensland’s most northern sugar mill.

“Today’s announcement of a $20 million grant is a significant step in the bold plan of Mossman and Tableland growers to buy Mossman Mill and transition it to a more diversified future,” CANEGROWERS CEO Dan Galligan said.

“It’s been the drive and determination of local growers which has driven an idea to this exciting milestone.”

A company set up and backed by sugarcane growers, Far Northern Milling, is working to purchase the mill from Mackay Sugar and, with the involvement of private investors, develop a bio-precinct in the town.

“Products such as bioplastics will add more value to our industry and recognise sustainably grown sugarcane as one of Queensland’s valuable renewable resources,” Mr Galligan said.

“The contribution announced today from the Australian Government’s Community Development Grants programme is an excellent example of government and business, in this case farmers, working together to grasp new opportunities and build a prosperous future in regional Queensland.

“We thank the Australian Government for working with growers, the Douglas Shire Council, Advance Cairns and the Cairns Chamber of Commerce on this project.

“Far Northern Milling is completing a business case and also seeking Queensland Government support to make their vision a reality.”