The steam on the horizon symbolises the prosperous season for Proserpine as the local sugar mill begins crushing - cane farmers are recouping some of the rewards of their dedicated labour and the energy of the expanded workforce creates a bountiful buzz.
After a challenging maintenance season which was blighted by labour shortages and supply chain issues, the crews have been working around the clock to finalise capital works following two successful steam trials.
The factory is now on track to begin crushing on Tuesday.
“It’s been a difficult year for labour availability and procurement of essential equipment,” said Mackay Regional Operations Manager Craig Muddle.
“Like many businesses, we’ve been impacted by COVID-related supply chain issues, which were exacerbated by the flood events in southern Queensland and New South Wales earlier this year.
“I’m proud of the way our crews have responded to these challenges and worked through a massive capital and maintenance program.”
Steeped in history and on-track to complete its 125th crush this year, the Proserpine Sugar Mill employs 100 permanent staff.
This workforce increases to about 150 during the crushing season.
It is estimated that the mill will process 1.64 million tonnes of sugar cane this season and although dictated by a number of factors such as weather, mill performance and size of the crop, it is anticipated that crushing will conclude mid-November.
“It’s always exciting to start a new crushing season. Our people work really hard to get the mill ready for the start of a new season, and there’s always a lot of anticipation around the start up,” said Mr Muddle.
“The start of the crushing season brings a different energy to the town. It means money is being generated, farmers and millers are getting paid for the cane and the sugar they produce, and the local economy gets a boost.”
Mike Porter, Manager of Canegrowers in Proserpine said that they are looking forward to a prosperous season ahead.
“The growers are very excited about the 2022 crop, which will certainly be a bit better than last year, they are more optimistic,” he said.
“The rain has been very good over the last few months. The CCS is an unknown quantity, and the cane is probably a bit green but there are more tonnes.
“This cooler weather has definitely helped as that is when the crop starts to produce more sugar.”
Last year Proserpine’s sugar quality was one of the highest in the state with a season average of 14.3, it is hoped it will get as high as 14 again this year.
Preparing for the start of the 2022 crush at Wilmar’s Proserpine Mill are, from left, Process Improvement Engineer Tom Badger, Assistant Production Superintendent Jamie Bell and Production Superintendent Damien Kelly
