A BID to return the Mossman Mill back to the region’s growers is gaining momentum after attracting another $25 million in government funding.
The State Government last week announced a support package for Far Northern Milling Pty Ltd to assist them in establishing an innovative bio-refinery project that would help underpin the long-term future of Mossman sugar mill.
The mill was owned by growers until Mackay Sugar Limited acquired it in 2012. Last year they announced they would sell the mill, and Far Northern Milling was formed to oversee its purchase.
Growers in both Mossman and on the Tablelands are supportive of the deal and agreements have been signed with growers committing $2 a tonne for 10 years to help with operating costs.
The Federal Government committed $20 million to the project in November subject to an acceptable business case and additional financial support from the State Government.
Far Northern Milling director Maryann Salvetti said the support provided by the Queensland Government would be vital to helping Far Northern Milling realise their ambition to develop an innovative biorefinery, that will provide certainty to the Mossman Mill and the regions canegrowers.
“We now have a pathway forward to save Mossman Mill and the jobs it supports, which is great news for the Mossman sugar community,” Ms Salvetti said.
State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Minister Cameron Dick said the government recognised the importance of Mossman Mill to the community and local economy and the substantial long-term benefits that would be derived from establishing a leading-edge bio-refinery on the site.
“Far Northern Milling intends to establish a bio-refinery that will provide a viable future for the mill and long-term economic benefits to the community,” he said.
“If successful, this project will result in the development of a bio-refinery in the Far North which uses the latest in green chemical technology, which is another strong and progressive step forward for the state’s biofutures industry.
“This potential project will also diversify the Douglas Shire economy through the introduction of a considerable number of green chemical manufacturing jobs.
“Our government’s $25 million support package will materially benefit Far Northern Milling as they work towards finalising their business case, and, if successful, constructing the biorefinery.
“This package has been developed in consultation with the growers and is focused on securing the long-term viability of the industry.”
Mr Dick said the package includes $4 million to complete the necessary engineering studies for the biorefinery and provide executive support.
Cook MP Cynthia Lui said the funding brings the opportunity to keep the mill running and build a biorefinery a step closer.
“I have been fighting to get certainty for the growers, and to get a clear pathway forward to build a sustainable future for the industry, and this announcement is a strong outcome,” Ms Lui said.
