On 30 April 2024, Mackay Sugar and QCAR agreed on a new Cane Supply and Processing Agreement (CSPA), covering supplies to the three Mackay Sugar mills at Farleigh, Marian and Racecourse.

Following a series of meetings, the parties established an agreement that allows members of QCAR in the Central Region to operate and supply cane under a distinct Mackay Sugar / QCAR agreement. The agreement is based on the strong framework that Mackay Sugar has had in place with other Bargaining Representatives over several years, however with some marked additions.

Notably, the new agreement sets out a course for how the growing and supply of cane is to take place and observes the ever-changing expectations of consumers and the communities in which we operate.

It is increasingly important to be recognised as ‘environmentally sustainable’ by way of accreditation,  holding up the standards which Australian sugar is globally recognised for. 

“It has been crucial to us, as a sugar producer and seller of sugar in global markets, that we have a partner who so clearly states their ambition around sustainable practices” says Brent Casey, Mackay Sugar’s General Manager,
Commercial & Agriculture.

QCAR is dedicated to advocating and empowering Queensland agriculture producers by fostering  sustainable farming practices for a prosperous future.

QCAR Director and lead negotiator in the Mackay area, Chris Punzell said Mackay growers have been eagerly awaiting an alternative cane supply agreement and enhanced grower representation. I was confident that this would materialise, and I am delighted that it has become a reality. By listening to the needs of farmers, we have successfully secured this agreement to benefit the farming community.

QCAR Executive Director, Panikos Spyrou said with this agreement we have provided our growers in the Mackay Region with contractual certainty – however we will, true to our spirit in Securing a Stronger Future, keep looking at ways to amend the CSPA to the benefit of both the growers we represent and the miller with whom we cooperate.”
“Joined in this effort with Mackay Sugar we have pinpointed several mutually advantageous improvements to collaborate on for the 2025 crushing season. Interested growers can access these enhancements through QCAR,” Mr Spyrou said.

The agreement, which comes into force immediately, is in principle a four-year rolling agreement that ensures stability and certainty for both growers and miller.

Mackay Sugar CEO, Jannik Olejas expressed his appreciation of the work done by saying “I commend all parties involved in the  constructive discussions that have led to this first agreement between Mackay Sugar and QCAR. We do acknowledge the innovative and open-mindedness that we have been met with and look forward to work together making sure we have a relevant and balanced agreement in place at all times.”

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Contact: Steven Jesser, Mackay Sugar Communications, 0438 229 960