Mossman grower and leader in multiple sugarcane representative organisations Don Murday has applauded
the Liberal National Party’s (LNP) recent commitment to make a historic $12.4M investment offering immediate
support to Mossman growers for the 2025 crop.

Don Murday, Chairman of the Australian Cane Farmers Association (ACFA) and Deputy Chairman of
Queensland Cane Agriculture and Renewables (QCAR), said the LNP’s pledge to support the sugarcane
industry’s struggling Far Northern region was both long-awaited and positive news.

The announcement offered support for next year’s crop while planning for the long-term success of the
Mossman sugarcane industry.

“This announcement is the only positive news we have had in nine months,” Mr Murday said.
“Our Mossman growers have hit their limit and within the next two months would be hitting an inflexible and
challenging financial wall that would be hard to come back from.”

He said without assistance there would be no opportunity to prepare for the future or to pay for essential farm
costs such as rates and insurance.

Under David Crisafulli’s (Leader of the Opposition, LNP) plan funds would be redirected from the Labor
Government’s planned investment to assist the viability of the mill to improving productivity and transport
efficiency or to retrofit the Mossman Mill for potential future uses.

Mr Murday said a welcome guarantee would also be put in place to ensure the 2025 crop could be transported
to and harvested at Gordonvale.

“Failing a new investor coming forth this year, this will provide more certainty for growers to have the
confidence to plan and invest in next year’s crop,” he said.

In addition, a $500,000 funding package was proposed to lead new industry development, expansion and
increase grower profitability and productivity, bolstering the long-term viability of the local industry.

David Crisafulli said the planned investment would provide growers with the certainty they needed, but also
give potential buyers of Mossman Mill increased confidence that they would have a product to process from the
2026 season and beyond. 

ACFA Director, QCAR Far Northern District Committee Chair and Mossman grower Gerard Puglisi said he
challenged Queensland Premier Steven Miles’ Labor Government to match or better the LNP’s commitment.

“We are hoping that they (Labor Government) will revise their plans and show the same commitment to one of
Queensland’s major agricultural commodities sharing in the contribution of around $5 billion to the
Queensland economy each year,” Mr Puglisi said.

ACFA Bargaining Representative and Mossman grower Jack Murday also commended the LNP’s pledge saying it
would allow growers the opportunity to maximise value from their current sugarcane stool and provide some
relief through increased confidence in the future.

“This is a lifeline that is going to give us the time and the resources badly needed for the Mossman industry to
either develop a more viable milling process or to transition into other crops,” Mr Murday said.

“Equally important it will provide much-needed economic stimulus to our regional community and the state of
Queensland through the continued premium marketing of exported sugar,” Jack Murday said.

[ENDS]

For media interviews or more information please contact:

ACFA Chairman & QCAR Deputy Chairman Don Murday: 0418 77 44 99
ACFA Director and QCAR Far Northern District Committee Chair Gerard Puglisi: 0428 988 136
ACFA Bargaining Representative Jack Murday: 0487 431 568

For further media assistance, please call Sonia Ball on 0467 573 321 or email [email protected]