A century on the front line for Queensland’s cane growers

Founded in 1926, CANEGROWERS has spent a century representing growers and guiding the industry through profound change – from the hard physical labour of establishing farms and cutting cane by hand, through mechanisation and industry modernisation, and into an era of deregulation, global competition and complex trade policy.

Chairman Owen Menkens said sugarcane had helped shape Queensland’s economy, identity and regional landscape.

“The sugar industry helped build this state,” Mr Menkens said. “It was so central to Queensland’s development that sugarcane features on the Queensland Coat of Arms.

“Entire towns and cities grew up around mills and cane farms, and today tens of thousands of Queenslanders still rely on the industry for their livelihoods.”

Mr Menkens said the industry’s growth had been driven by waves of migrant families who brought skills, resilience and a strong work ethic to cane-growing regions.

“Generations of migrant families – Italian, Maltese, Greek, Indian, German, English and many others – helped build the industry we have today,” he said.

“They cleared land, cut cane, established farms and businesses, and built communities that remain at the heart of regional Queensland.

Chief Executive Officer Dan Galligan said CANEGROWERS’ role had evolved alongside the industry itself.

“Our organisation has had to change as the industry has changed – helping guide growers through mechanisation, structural reform and deregulation, while continuing to fight for fair returns and strong regional economies,” Mr Galligan said.

“At its core, our role has always been about ensuring growers have a seat at the table on decisions that affect them, and that their voices are heard, understood and respected.

“Today, sugar remains a critical export industry, supporting regional jobs, underpinning local communities and contributing to Australia’s economy. The advocacy challenge now is ensuring the industry remains vibrant in the face of rising costs, climate risk and global trade pressures.

Mr Galligan said effective advocacy took many forms.

“Sometimes that means being a strong public voice – a megaphone for farming families when it’s needed.

“At other times, it’s about quiet diplomacy, building relationships and influencing outcomes behind the scenes. Both are essential, and both have been part of CANEGROWERS’ story for a century.”

Mr Galligan said the centenary year would highlight both the industry’s legacy and its future.

“This year is about recognising the contribution sugarcane has made to Queensland and Australia, while reinforcing the importance of strong, effective advocacy to carry the industry through its next chapter,” he said.

CANEGROWERS will mark its centenary throughout 2026 with a program of events, storytelling, education initiatives and public activities across Queensland’s 13 cane-growing regions, with further details to be announced during the year.

For more information on the Centenary year and CANEGROWERS history visit 100 years of CANEGROWERS