- The Crisafulli Government remains committed to supporting the Mossman community following news cane growers and processors were unable to reach a commercial agreement.
- $6 million was invested by the Crisafulli Government to deliver certainty for industry in the transportation of the 2025 crop to Gordonvale.
- A further $6 million will be delivered to help support the community, in consultation with the Mossman Advisory Council.
- The Crisafulli Government is delivering for regional and rural Queensland after they were ignored during Labor's decade of decline.
The Crisafulli Government remains committed to supporting the Mossman community after the growers and processors were unable to reach a commercial agreement, beyond 2025.
The Mossman Mill became unviable during the former Labor Government's decade of decline, as they failed to provide adequate support to regional and rural Queensland.
In 2024 the Crisafulli Government promised more than $12 million to assist the region transition to an alternative after Mossman's cane processing mill was no longer viable.
Six million dollars has already been invested to give certainty to industry to transport the 2025 crop to Gordonvale, with the further $6 million to be invested in the regional industry.
Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett said the Crisafulli Government would continue to support regional and rural Queensland.
"Our commitment to support the Mossman canegrowers remains steadfast and unchanged with a further $6 million remaining on the table for a longer-term solution, to be worked out with the growers, local government and the Mossman community," Minister Perrett said.
"We are listening to the community on how government can best assist with targeted transitional support.
"In addition to working on transportation, the Government has been working on alternative crop trials and agronomy studies, and this will continue.
"We will continue to work with growers, supporting them and their community's future."
Member for Cook David Kempton established the Mossman Advisory Council and said it would continue to operate to advise the Government on the community's wishes.
"We will continue to work with growers, the community, local government and the industry to find a solution to matters raised," Mr Kempton said.
"I reiterate the Crisafulli Government is committed to a finding a solution for the Mossman region long term and we will continue to work with both parties and the community.
"I remain committed to supporting my community to achieve a viable and workable outcome.
"I thank growers for the genuine and honest approach they have shown to discussions during this time."
MSF Sugar's Head of Cane Supply, Mark Magnanini, acknowledged the positive role of all involved in trying to find a solution and expressed gratitude to the Crisafulli Government for enabling $34 million worth of Mossman region cane to be processed in the two years since the mill closed.
"The State Government's support for the growers stranded by Mossman Mill's closure has been outstanding, we gratefully acknowledge the efforts of the Government, Mossman growers, Bray's Transport and the grower organisations have made to sustain the sugar industry in Mossman since the mill closure," Mr Magnanini said.
Mossman CANEGROWERS Chair, Matt Watson said it was disappointing that they couldn't reach a commercial solution that was of benefit for all parties, however remain determined to work with the Crisafulli Government, the local Council, and others to find a way forward for growers and the agricultural industry in the Shire.
"We managed to get a couple of years grace, but there is still a lot of work ahead of us," Mr Watson said.
Douglas Shire Mayor Lisa Scomazzon said in the wake of the Mossman Mill's closure early last year, many local farmers had already begun considering a shift away from cane.
"This latest decision marks a significant turning point for our agricultural community," Cr Scomazzon said.
"Council will continue to stand beside our cane farmers, advocating for their needs and supporting them as they explore new crops and future opportunities.
"Douglas Shire has a proud agricultural heritage and we remain committed to supporting farmers in continuing that tradition".
