Sugar Industry Demands Action Ahead of Queensland State Election

Regional Queensland

As Queensland approaches its state election on October 26, leaders from the state’s key sugar industry bodies – CANEGROWERS and the Australian Sugar Milling Council (ASMC) – are uniting to emphasize the critical role the sugar industry plays in Queensland’s economy and to call for urgent government support.

Representing both sugarcane growers and millers, the two organizations delivered a clear message to politicians: Queensland’s sugar industry, employing over 20,000 people and contributing $4.4 billion to the state’s economy, is too signifcant to be ignored.

Economic Pillar of

“From north of Cairns to the Queensland border and beyond, sugar is the economic lifeblood of regional communities,” said Ash Salardini, CEO of the ASMC. He underscored the industry’s immediate importance: “While politicians talk about building a future manufacturing base, sugar is already here –manufacturing essential products today.”

CANEGROWERS’ Priorities

CANEGROWERS, which represents 70% of the state’s sugarcane farmers, outlined its priorities for the upcoming election. CEO Dan Galligan stressed the need for policies that reduce electricity and water costs, cut red tape, and boost bioenergy development, including biofuels, through the sugar supply chain.

“Our industry is essential to regional Queensland,” said Galligan. “For growers to stay competitive and seize future opportunities, we need policies that deliver real results. Affordable electricity and water are crucial, and we also need stronger research, smarter environmental programs, and biofuels policies that will unlock new opportunities for our industry.”

Challenges for Mills and Growers

The industry’s leaders also highlighted the risks to the sector, pointing to the recent closure of the Mossman Mill as a wake-up call. Galligan emphasized the interdependence between mills and growers: “We need a viable, dependable sugar milling sector, and we must learn from the tough lessons of the Mossman Mill closure.”

To support the future of the industry, the peak bodies are calling on the Queensland Government to invest in the sector’s people and infrastructure, including the cane rail network and workforce development.

“CANEGROWERS fully supports the ASMC’s call for investment in the cane rail network,” Galligan said. “The sugar supply chain needs the skills and workforce to remain strong.”

Salardini echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of a reliable cane-growing sector. “Without a dependable supply of cane, our industry is at risk. Affordable and reliable electricity and water are fundamental to ensuring Queensland’s cane-growing future.”

A Collaborative Future

Despite acknowledging that growers and millers may not always agree, both CANEGROWERS and the ASMC are committed to a collaborative future.

Salardini noted that the opportunities and challenges facing the industry transcend election cycles: “We’re showing the incoming Queensland Government that the sugar industry is ready to lead.”

Galligan added that, while each organization will continue to fght for its members, the sugar industry remains united on the critical issues. “Today, we’re focused on common ground, telling the

Queensland Government that the sugar industry is determined to thrive.”

As the leading voices for Queensland’s sugar industry, CANEGROWERS and the ASMC are making it clear that the state government must take action. The sugar industry is ready to lead, and it expects the government to follow suit.

View CANEGROWERS’ election priorities by scaning the QR Code.