The LNP has today announced a major plan and critical funding package to ensure the ongoing future of the Mossman Mill that underpins this proud sugar community.
A Crisafulli LNP Government would make a historic $12.5 million investment to deliver immediate support for next year’s crop while planning for the long-term success of Mossman’s sugar industry.
Labor has made it clear they plan to abandon Mossman’s cane industry in the hope of finding another untested option.
The LNP’s plan includes a commitment to work with growers, the industry and the community to ensure a long-term future for the Mill and town.
The LNP’s plan will protect local jobs.
Under the plan, a Crisafulli LNP Government would redirect money allocated by Labor for the shutdown of the cane industry to assist the viability of the Mill to improve productivity, transport efficiency or retrofit the Mill for future uses.
A guarantee will also be put in place to ensure next year’s crop can be transported to and harvested at Gordonvale, and failing a new investor coming forth this year, will provide certainty for growers to plan and invest in next year’s crop.
A $500,000 funding package will also be allocated to Canegrowers Queensland to lead new industry development, expansion and increase grower profitability and productivity, bolstering the long-term viability of the local industry.
LNP Leader David Crisafulli said he would not allow over 100 years of cane growing history in Mossman to be erased by Labor without a fight.
“My team will not give up on the Mossman Mill that underpins this proud community,” Mr Crisafulli said.
“Our team’s historic investment will give growers the certainty they need to fertilise and to plan next year’s harvest.
“It also gives potential buyers of the Mossman Mill confidence that they will have product to crush come the 2026 season and beyond.
“Labor may want to give up on an industry that has employed thousands of locals over many generations that still has so much to give the local economy in the coming decades, but I won’t.
“It is paramount this proud sugar town can continue its farming tradition into the future.
“The LNP’s commitment today is a flag in the ground demonstrating we care about Mossman and we want to secure its future as a cane growing hub for North Queensland.
“We will also partner with Canegrowers Queensland to develop an industry led FNQ Cane Expansion Plan.
“This plan will integrate industry knowledge around farming systems and grower engagement to re-build productivity in Far North Queensland and safeguard the industry for years to come.
“This plan will drive research and development, on farm best practice adoption and grower leadership, to improve crop performance and develop a regional strategy for productivity growth in Far North Queensland.”
The LNP’s $12.5 million commitment includes the remainder of the almost $6 million of funding Labor wants to use for its ‘transition plan’ to wind down the Mill and find a yet to be proven new industry for the town.
Mr Crisafulli said the choice for the Mossman community at the upcoming election was stark.
“The choice in the upcoming election is clear. It’s a choice between a Labor Party which thinks the Mossman cane industry is dead, or an LNP which thinks the industry’s best days are ahead of it.”
LNP Candidate for Cook David Kempton said the LNP’s commitment provided a lifeline to the Mossman Community at a time growers were uncertain about what their futures would hold.
“I have heard from so many local growers worried that under Labor their kids will not have the same opportunities they had working on the family cane farm,” Mr Kempton said.
“The LNP’s commitment today is a clear vote of confidence in the Mossman Community, we believe in sugar communities like Mossman, and we want to see its economy sustained for years to come.”