Business
21 November, 2025
Waiting game for town
IT’S a waiting game for former Mossman sugarcane farmers as $6 million remains in the kitty to help them transition to a new future on their land.
While some are already diversifying into soya beans, peanuts, cocoa and bana grass, others are standing by to see what the Mossman advisory committee decides what to do with the $6m.
The final truckload of Mossman sugarcane has been delivered to Mulgrave mill, closing a defining chapter in the region’s history and leaving an uncertain future for local growers.
Canegrowers chairman Owen Menkens said, while it marked the end of an era, “it doesn’t have to be the end of agriculture in the region”.
“Canegrowers will continue to work with local growers, the Mossman community and the Queensland Government to find a way forward.”
“Mossman’s farmers are resilient people and I’ve no doubt they will find a path forward,” he said. “Our commitment is to continue standing beside them as they navigate this difficult period and to make sure the voices of growing families are heard in every discussion about the region’s future.”
Meanwhile, the government has met Mossman canegrowers and the community to map out a future direction.
Member for Cook David Kempton said $6m was available to help support the community, in consultation with the advisory committee.
“There were a range of factors that came into play including declining prices and increasing transport costs, but the biggest thing was the loss of volume,” he said.
“There is $6m on the table and it’s been there from day one, it’s critical that we keep the economy going.”
Long-time Mossman cane farmer for over 55 years, Peter Verri, believes there hasn’t been the required tonnage of freshly grown cane available in recent years.
“The important thing now is to spray the current cane to destroy it and reduce the risk of rats and feral pigs becoming a problem,” he said.
“For now, as a farmer, I am going to sit tight and see what the government does with its $6 million.
“Other farmers that I know are trying to work with soya beans, peanuts, cocoa and bana grass.”
Jackie Castles owner of Mossman’s Goodies Café in Front Street, said that business had been normal, regardless of the mill closure and negativity around the cane industry.
“I’m not worried as we haven’t been affected,” she said.
“Tourism is strong which is important and it is time that we tried to be more diverse as a town. Things should settle down again eventually.”
Tania Lieschke, owner of The Mossman Natural Therapies Centre, said the cane industry’s demise had been inevitable for a long time, “so we need to move on”. “The cane farmers haven’t left town, so they are still supporting my business.”
Mossman sugar mill liquidator John Goggin from Worrells said expressions of interest for the mill were due by 21 November.
