Crushing Good Times

Burdekin Life

The sugar crush is on again and it’s a timely reminder that cane trains are on the move and caution is needed around level crossings. Please everyone, be aware and remain safe on our roads.

As the Federal member for Dawson and Shadow Assistant Minister for Manufacturing and Sovereign Capability, I am so proud of our local sugar industry. Behind wheat, sugar is Australia's most exported crop, generating around $2 billion in revenue every year, and a significant portion of that is grown right here in Dawson. The industry provides a living for thousands, and the flow-on effect to other parts of our local community is enormous. Our region really is the sugar capital of Australia.

Specifically in the Burdekin region over 900 farms and 4 mills produce almost 8 million tonne of sugar annually. That's approximately 25% of sugar grown in Australia. Around 30% of employment in the Burdekin region is directly linked to the industry and the economic benefits flow right through the local community.

But our farmers and millers are doing more then just getting the product to market and into coffees around the world. They are constantly looking into new and improved ways to produce higher yield more efficiently and processes to obtain the most out of the byproducts. In the Burdekin, research is seeing improved irrigation methods, while mills in the southern part of the electorate are completing research into biofuels, green chemicals, and other forms of energy.

In my new role as Shadow Assistant Minister for Manufacturing, I am keen to share the positive stories coming from our sugar industry to ensure investment continues to flow into this region.

I am excited about what the future holds for the industry. The sector is creating jobs, not just in farming and milling, but also in research and technology. With so much research underway, the applications of sugar byproducts could expand dramatically and drive even more investment and growth for the region.

So next time you're having a cuppa, pause and reflect on what the next chapter of the sugar industry might look like and what opportunities you could become part of.