General News
27 November, 2024
Optimism at Mossman
STAKEHOLDERS in the Mossman cane mill are hopeful the newly-elected LNP state government can come up with a solution to the future of the town and the sugar industry.
Mossman Canegrowers manager Evelyn Matthews remains optimistic.
“We now know we have the support of the local member David Kempton and the new Premier, which is a relief for industry and the Shire, I am sure,” she told the Gazette.
“They are trying hard to hit the ground running.
“We are certainly working with all parties to see if a 2025 season is possible for growers to keep cane growing so we can consider transition options. We are even considering what a three-year deal might look like with MSF Sugar.”
Ms Matthews is confident that “between now and the end of the year a lot of discussions and decisions will be made. I think growers know transition will be a fairly slow process, so we prefer and are working towards getting a 2025 crop of cane so growers can put the breathing space to good use.”
Newly-elected Member for Cook David Kempton, together with the Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett and the DPI director general Graeme Bolton, travelled to Mossman last week to confirm the LNP’s commitment to support the sugar cane industry through the 2025 cane season.
The minister met MSF sugar, canegrower organisations, Douglas Shire Council and farmers. This was followed by a tour of the mill. He was quick to assure all parties that the LNP commitment prior to the election remains in place.
Mr Perrett confirmed the $6 million promised by the previous government for the 2024 crop would be honoured in full and a further $6m would be available for the 2025 season on the same basis. This, he said, should give growers some confidence to fertilise and prepare their crops for next year.
“Further, there is $6m on the table to assist a credible and genuine operator to recommission the Mossman Mill to process the crop in the future,” Mr Kempton said.
“A further $500,000 is available to Canegrowers to assess options in relation to the future of the industry,” he said.
Mr Kempton said he would continue to work closely with the community to resolve the challenges facing the future of the mill, the industry and the region.
“Of immediate concern is the sale of vital equipment and ultimately the mill by the liquidator which may foreclose on any real prospects of the mill re-opening. In the longer term the ability of the region to produce the volume of cane necessary to maintain a mill and the lack of immediate alternate crops are front of mind,” he said.
“Whilst there is no immediate and obvious quick fix, I am confident with ongoing government support and direct community involvement we will find a solution to this problem.
“Recognising the immense financial, economic, social and emotional strain the uncertainty is placing on individuals, businesses and the community, walking away is not an option.”
Mr Kempton plans to hold a series of meetings over coming weeks to work out a strategy moving forward.
