Growers Get Final Word on Biofuels

CANEGROWERS representatives had already put the views of growers directly to the Primary Industries and Resources Committee at regional hearings in Townsville and Mackay in 2025, before reinforcing the sector’s message in Brisbane with a final submission on behalf of growers across the state.

As one of Queensland’s strongest and longest-standing agricultural peak bodies, CANEGROWERS was scheduled to speak last at the hearing, following milling companies and other industry participants – ensuring the growers’ voice was the final one heard by the committee.

Speaking on behalf of its almost 3,000 members across Queensland, the organisation delivered a clear message to the committee – the time for talk is over, it’s now time for action.

The committee’s invitation reflected the central role growers play in any future biofuels industry, with sugarcane recognised as one of Australia’s most efficient and sustainable biofuel feedstocks.

“Queensland’s cane growers have been listening to people talk about biofuels for years,” said CANEGROWERS CEO Dan Galligan.

“They’re ready for real action. Growers already produce the feedstock, the supply chains exist, and the opportunity is sitting right in front of us. What’s been missing is the policy certainty and investment needed to turn potential into reality.

Mr Galligan said one of the most immediate opportunities raised at the hearing was supporting mill upgrades to unlock the sugar industry’s full co-generation capacity – delivering green electricity alongside biofuels production.

“The sugar industry already generates renewable energy. With the right support to upgrade mill infrastructure, co-generation can play a much bigger role in producing reliable, low-emissions electricity for Queensland,” he said.

“That’s good for the grid, good for regional communities and good for meeting our emissions targets.

Mr Galligan said government support must also extend to the growers who underpin the system.

“If governments want a greener, more sustainable future, they need to back the primary producers who help deliver it,” he said.

“That means lowering electricity and water costs for growers, protecting prime agricultural land needed to produce feedstock, and giving industry the confidence to invest for the long term.

At the hearing, CANEGROWERS called on the Queensland Government to unlock the industry’s potential by:

•    Backing investment in biofuels and co-generation, including funding support for mill upgrades;
•    Working with the milling sector to maximise renewable electricity generation through co-generation;
•    Reducing electricity and water costs for primary producers contributing to a lower-emissions future;
•    Protecting prime agricultural land needed to sustainably grow biofuel feedstocks;
•    Working with industry and the Federal Government to implement real mandates for low-carbon biofuels and develop a clear feedstock strategy, including guaranteed off-take arrangements to underpin confidence and investment.

“This is about turning talk into outcomes – for growers, for regional Queensland and for the state’s energy future,” Mr Galligan said.

“We’re ready to get on with it. Now it’s time for government to do the same.”