General News
19 November, 2025
Where to now?
IT’S a waiting game for former Mossman sugarcane farmers as $6 million remains in the kitty to help them transition to a new future on their land.
While some are already diversifying into soya beans, peanuts, cocoa and bana grass, others are standing by to see what the Mossman advisory committee decides what to do with the $6m.
The final truckload of Mossman sugarcane has been delivered to Mulgrave mill, closing a defining chapter in the region’s history and leaving an uncertain future for local growers.
Canegrowers chairman Owen Menkens said the moment was deeply disappointing for the Mossman community, which had been shaped by sugarcane farming for generations.
“This is a very sad day for Mossman and for the generations of farming families who built an industry that supported local jobs, schools and businesses for more than a century,” he said.
“While this marks the end of an era, it doesn’t have to be the end of agriculture in the region. Canegrowers will continue to work with local growers, the Mossman community and the Queensland Government to find a way forward.”
Mr Menkens said that, while no commercial agreement was yet in place for future seasons, growers remained determined to continue producing food and fibre for Queensland.
“Mossman’s farmers are resilient people and I’ve no doubt they will find a path forward,” he said. “Our commitment is to continue standing beside them as they navigate this difficult period and to make sure the voices of growing families are heard in every discussion about the region’s future.”
Meanwhile, the government has met Mossman canegrowers and the community to map out a future direction.
Member for Cook David Kempton said $6m was available to help support the community, in consultation with the advisory committee.
“I’d like to pay tribute to the families in the community that have devoted so much time and effort for over 130 years into the industry and to see it just disappear is a tragedy,” he said.
Mr Kempton said attempts to keep cane farming going had been unsuccessful.
“We have been working closely over the last year with Douglas Shire Council, Canegrowers and community members, trying to keep the cane industry going for as long as possible while we look for alternatives.
“There were a range of factors that came into play including declining prices and increasing transport costs, but the biggest thing was the loss of volume” he said.
“There is $6m on the table and it’s been there from day one, it’s critical that we keep the economy going.”
Long-time Mossman cane farmer for over 55 years, Peter Verri, believes there hasn’t been the required tonnage of freshly-grown cane available in recent years.
“The important thing now is to spray the current cane to destroy it and reduce the risk of rats and feral pigs becoming a problem,” he said.
“For now, as a farmer, I am going to sit tight and see what the government does with its $6 million.
“Other farmers who I know are trying to work with soya beans, peanuts, cocoa and bana grass.”
Jackie Castles, owner of Mossman’s Goodies Café in Front Street, said that business had been normal, regardless of the mill closure and negativity around the cane industry.
“I’m not worried as we haven’t been affected,” she said.
“Mossman is a tight-knit community, so we look after each other.
“Tourism is strong which is important and it is time that we tried to be more diverse as a town. Things should settle down again eventually.”
Tania Lieschke, owner of The Mossman Natural Therapies Centre, said the cane industry’s demise had been inevitable for a long time, “so we need to move on”. “The cane farmers haven’t left town, so they are still supporting my business.”
Mossman sugar mill, liquidator John Goggin from Worrells said “the sale process is being handled by our agent, Colliers. Expressions of interest are due by 21 November.”
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