“A Real Pathway Forward”- 12 Recommendations Released For Biofuels In Sugarcane Industry

The Queensland Parliament's Primary Industries and Resources Committee has handed down its report into Sugarcane Bioenergy Opportunities in Queensland, outlining 12 recommendations aimed at unlocking biofuels and bioenergy from sugarcane across the state.

Industry leaders gathered at Racecourse Sugar Mill on Tuesday 31st March to announce the report, including Stephen Bennet MP – Chair, Primary Industries and Resources Committee; Glen Kelly MP – Member for Mirani; Nigel Dalton MP – Member for Mackay; Ash Salardini – Chief Executive Officer, Australian Sugar Manufacturers; Josip Vidakovic – Government, Industry & External Engagement Manager, Australian Sugar Manufacturers; Carl Morton – Chief Executive Officer, Mackay Sugar; and Kylie Porter – Chief Executive Officer – Greater Whitsunday Alliance.

The inquiry has been underway since June last year, with the committee hearing from industry stakeholders in Mackay, Townsville and Brisbane about the potential of bioenergy and biofuels derived from sugarcane.

Member for Burnett and Chair of the committee, Stephen Bennett MP, said there was “a real pathway forward” for the industry.

“It’s really important when we look at some of the recommendations around diversification for the industry, particularly for millers, and the issues around protecting cane growers.”

“My number one priority is making sure we can expand the sugar industry for future generations, give them the confidence to invest, and create opportunities around biofuels.”

“It’s the best feedstock we have to provide bioenergy. It’s grown across our regions, it’s sustainable, and there are real opportunities when we look at what the sugar industry could become.”

“If implemented, the committee's recommendations will pave the way for a resilient, future-focused and globally competitive sugarcane-based bioenergy industry in Queensland.”

Member for Mirani, Glen Kelly MP, said the report was about ensuring the future of the sugar industry for the next generation.

“Industries like coal and cane are incredibly important to the electorate of Mirani and to Queensland as a whole.”

“It has been a privilege to be part of this report. We’ve worked very hard to get it right for the people of Queensland and the stakeholders involved.”

“What the agricultural industry needs is confidence. This report helps deliver that confidence for the future.”

“I stand for the next generation. I stand for agriculture and giving agriculture hope that we mean business.”

“For young farmers out there, this report gives confidence in the industry and in what we have behind us, including the mills and the cane growers across Queensland.”

Member for Mackay, Nigel Dalton MP, said the recommendations aim to strengthen the industry well into the future.

“We needed to make sure that what happens in a mill is sustainable and that we can progress the industry into the next century.”

“This is a fantastic opportunity to present these 12 recommendations to government and ensure agriculture, particularly cane, continues to be a driving force in our economy.”

The recommendations include targeted investment opportunities, regulatory reforms and greater national coordination to support the development of biofuels and bioenergy from sugarcane.

The committee’s full report is available on the inquiry’s webpage, with the Queensland Government given three months to table its response to the report and its recommendations in Parliament.

Mr Bennett said, “We’re really proud of this report and the work that has gone into it, particularly from stakeholders here in Mackay and across the state who contributed to making it what it is.”

Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton MP, Member for Mirani Glen Kelly MP, and Member for Burnett and Chair of the committee, Stephen Bennett MP

Industry leaders including MPs and sugar industry executives gathered at Racecourse Sugar Mill on 31 March to announce the new sugarcane bioenergy report. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

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