THE FUTURE IS COMING: BIOCOMMODITIES ON THE RISE IN MACKAY BY KIRILI LAMB
There’s a buzz in Mackay and Plane Creek as momentum and enthusiasm grows for diversification of sugarcane-based products.
Precision fermented proteins, biopharmaceuticals, sustainable aviation fuel and bio-plastics manufacturing—and a proposed State Development Area to house it. Within 10 years, but as soon as two, domestic and international biocommodities manufacturers will be establishing in the region, taking the leap from pilot projects to commercialisation. CANEGROWERS Mackay Chairman Kevin Borg said that the time was ripe for the development of a vibrant biofutures sector that uses sugarcane as its base. “The idea of value-adding has been discussed many times, certainly over the 40 years I’ve been in the cane growing industry. It’s never quite got there. But now, there is strong political will to see this develop. The industry is getting support from government in terms of policy and action, it’s never looked as positive,” Mr Borg said.
Above: Racecourse Mill
“The manufacturers are looking to the Mackay region because of our stability, capability, and also because more
“We go forward with that same passion to see our growers get a premium for their cane, as the feedstock for any biocommodities.” and more growers are accrediting under Smartcane BMP, which is the cane growers’ sustainability hallmark. These manufacturers are looking for a transparently sustainable supply chain, from paddock to port.” Mr Borg sits, along with Mackay District Manager Michelle Martin, on the Greater Whitsunday Biofutures Leaders Group. For quite a few years, this position was filled by the late CANEGROWERS Mackay CEO Kerry Latter.
