The strength and potential of our sugar industry has been brought to the fore following an in-depth inquiry into the sector by the Crisafulli Government.

More than 40 submissions, tours of infrastructure and hearings from industry stakeholders in Townsville, Mackay and Brisbane culminated in 12 recommendations to state government by the Primary Industries and Resources Committee.

Member for Burdekin Dale Last said the release of the report following a parliamentary committee inquiry into Sugar Cane Bioenergy Opportunities in Queensland was an opportunity to highlight the industry’s strengths and initiate a coordinated approach to tackling challenges growers and millers faced.

“This inquiry was a crucial opportunity to forensically examine our sugar industry from plant to production and identify what support can be provided to ensure the sector is able to grow in the coming decades,” Mr Last said.

“The Burdekin plays a crucial role in our sugarcane production in Queensland so it was commendable the committee took the time to hear directly from stakeholders and growers in North Queensland as well as touring Cogen operations and mills.”

“As the Member for Burdekin I have said from the outset this report needed to clearly outline the pros and cons of each opportunity to enable decisions to be made by both industry and our government.”

Mr Last said the industry’s clear messaging around the potential benefits of strategic support for the sugar sector and the flow on to the wider community had been heard loud and clear by the committee.

“Our sugar industry is the backbone of many communities in Queensland, particularly the Burdekin, so we need to be able to bring about growth that benefits the wider region for years to come and this report is the first step towards unleashing that potential,” Mr Last said. 

“We want to see our sugar industry have the backing it needs to be a key player in the state’s emerging bioeconomy and in turn strengthen our regional economies and contribute to Australia’s long-term energy and fuel security.”