Douglas Shire Mayor Lisa Scomazzon has welcomed Queensland Premier David Crisafulli’s visit to Mossman, where he urged local farmers to continue growing sugar cane in preparation for a 2026 harvest.
Speaking directly to a gathering of growers, Mr Crisafulli said: “I want you to plant, I want you to fertilise.”
Mayor Scomazzon described the Premier’s comment as a significant show of support for the region’s agricultural sector.
“For the Premier to eyeball the shire’s growers and urge them to continue growing sugar cane should put some minds at ease,” Mayor Scomazzon said.
“Growers, with the support of Cook MP David Kempton and Douglas Shire Council, will continue to explore other options for the region’s agricultural sector but Mr Crisafulli did not hold back on his support of our sugar cane industry.
“It’s now up to our growers to explore ways in which they can make this work. However, the message is clear – our sugar cane remains a valuable asset, even if the Mossman mill is no more.”
The Queensland Government previously committed nearly $6 million to support a transition away from sugar cane. However, Premier Crisafulli has now signalled that the funding could be repurposed to strengthen the industry, with the practice of sending harvests to the Mulgrave mill — now in its second season — potentially set to become the new norm.
“That money is on the table. I do not care what it is used for, providing it saves this little town,” Mr Crisafulli said.
