Supporting Mossman’s Recovery: Urgent Appeal from CANEGROWERS and Australian Cane Farmers Association

CANEGROWERS and the Australian Cane Farmers Association are urgently calling on the State Government to provide crucial support for Mossman’s recovery following the devastation caused by ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper.

Since Jasper struck on December 13, the far north Queensland community has been grappling with signifcant challenges. Tourism revenue has plummeted, exacerbating the already dire situation resulting from widespread fooding that left homes, businesses, and farms inundated for weeks.

CANEGROWERS

Mossman Chairman, Matt Watson, emphasized the severity of the situation, stating, “People are still doing it really tough in Mossman. The town was basically isolated for weeks after Jasper. Homes, businesses, and farms were all inundated by fooding, and the water has taken so long to subside that the community is still counting the cost.”

One of Mossman’s major employers, the Daintree Bio Precinct, is now in jeopardy, posing a critical threat to the local economy. The bio-precinct and its subsidiaries, including Far Northern Milling (FNM), contribute approximately $190 million annually to the region’s economy and employ 570 people, representing almost a third of the town’s population.

The 2023 sugarcane season was particularly challenging for the Queensland industry due to adverse weather conditions, resulting in a 15% decrease in tonnage and sugar content. Consequently, FNM found itself unable to secure enough funding to support the 2024 harvesting season, leading to voluntary administration in November 2023.

Despite efforts to salvage the situation, including a proposal to transform the precinct into a green energy hub, time is running out. A consortium has emerged with a viable plan, contingent on the State Government’s support in guaranteeing the 2024 and 2025 seasons.

Mr. Watson emphasized the commitment of sugarcane growers to the bio-precinct initiative, highlighting the signifcant investments made over the years.

“Since 2019, Mossman growers have been contributing a $2 per tonne Sustainability Levy to ensure the Mossman Mill’s operations and support the bio-precinct. Additionally, local growers have invested $12 million to establish the 2024 crop.”

Australian Cane Farmers Association representative Jack Murday echoed the urgency of government intervention, stressing the pivotal role of the bio-precinct in Mossman’s recovery. “If the government fails to support this plan, it may very well be the death knell for our community. We need our elected representatives to step up in times like these.”

The bio-precinct project has the potential to produce 50,000,000 litres of renewable fuel per year, supplying renewable energy to remote Queensland communities. With committed proponents and community support, the success of the bio-precinct industry is within reach, contingent on government backing.

CANEGROWERS and the Australian Cane Farmers Association urge the State Government to act swiftly and decisively to save Mossman’s community and ensure the viability of the bioprecinct initiative. Time is of the essence, and the future of Mossman hangs in the balance.