Community
13 March, 2025
Clock is ticking
IT is expected the demise of the Mossman sugar mail will be finalised by May.
Mill liquidator John Goggin of Worrells has provided a timeline for the remaining sale of mill assets.
Mossman Canegrowers manager Evelyn Matthews told the Gazette “he has confirmed the real estate agent will be Colliers who will market the last of the assets for sale, including the land and buildings and factory.
“Once the final marketing proposal is ready there will be a market campaign calling for EOI which will close around mid-March 2025,” she said.
“If everything goes to plan, the offers received will be considered, shortlisted and contract discussions would be expected to start early April with final settlement mid-May 2025.”
Regarding crop trials to fill the local economic gap, Ms Matthews said trial planting for bana grass had now been implemented.
She referred also to the Cane to Beef Day held last month at the Mossman QCWA Hall.
“As the Shire already has some cattle farms and farmers, this may help any growers who have been thinking about this option,” Ms Matthews said.
Member for Cook David Kempton confirmed at a recent meeting of growers that everyone had been paid in 2024 and the government would honour its commitment. He said the government would honour all its promises.
“At a recent meeting of growers, I confirmed that everyone was paid for last cane season and the LNP government will honour its commitment of $6 million toward the transport of the 2025 crop to the (Gordonvale) mill,” Mr Kempton said.
“Growers who prepared and fertilised their crops will have their cane transported to Mulgrave mill supported by the fund. However, standover cane in 2025 is not included in the compensation package at this stage.”
The LNP had pledged a further contribution of $6m to the refurbishment of the Mossman mill and a further $500,000 to assist growers to find a path forward.
“With most of the equipment and locomotives sold and the imminent sale of the mill, it is unlikely the mill will be recommissioned in its present configuration.”
To support the growers and people of the district moving forward, Primary Industries Minister Tony Perrett has formed an advisory group comprising the shire council, industry representatives and specialists to support and advise on the future of agriculture in the region.
“The group will assess the viability and support growers for potential industries on the table.”
Mr Kempton said the government would be looking at all options and he believed the future lay in diversification and an improved water supply to support high-value crops.
Mr Kempton said the Mossman district was facing a difficult and uncertain future after 130 years of cane production.
However, he said he wanted to ensure growers and the community that he and the LNP were not going anywhere and would support the people impacted well into the future.
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