The sight of cane harvesters firing up in paddocks across Queensland's most northernly district has come as a huge relief to Mossman growers, with a one-year commercial deal between growers and MSF Sugar enabling the 2024 cane crush to finally get underway.
After months of sensitive negotiations with the State Government, trucks have begun hauling Mossman cane 100km down the Captain Cook Highway to MSF's Mulgrave Mill at Gordanvale.
Commencement of crushing on Tuesday, follows a recent resolution in negotiations between CANEGROWERS, MSF Sugar, the Queensland Government, and the local Douglas Shire Council, which saw the State Government commit to investing in half of the transport costs for this year's crop.
CANEGROWERS CEO Dan Galligan welcomed the start of Mossman's crush, saying the sight of harvesters cutting cane would ease the anxiety of the region's sugarcane growers, at least in the short-term.
"Growers have invested over $15 million into the crop so far, plus they are facing additional transport costs. That meant achieving an economic return from the crop was critical to their future options," Mr Galligan said.
"Since the Mossman Mill went into administration last November, CANEGROWERS has been working tirelessly, both locally and at a state level, to find a solution that would enable growers to get their cane crushed for at least this year, while we encourage a longer-term future for the Mossman mill.
"It has been a long and difficult process, but it's pleasing to see a positive outcome for this year's crop. Hopefully, the rest of the season runs smoothly."
Mr Galligan said there was still much work to do, with local growers and industry stakeholders determined to do everything possible to ensure the future of the Mossman industry.
"We haven't given up on the local sugarcane industry in Mossman, and we won't," Mr Galligan said.
"We're working closely with the local council, chamber of commerce, State Government and other industry stakeholders to determine what we can do to continue supporting the industry going forward."
