Mackay Townsend Industries to create new jobs through sugar processing project

How Mackay’s sugar mill will create new jobs and high-value products through a new $693,000 project

Mackay sugar cane farmers will enjoy heavier pockets when a new $693,000 sugar production project gets under way.

Mackay’s Townsend Industries received $693,429 in funding towards a pilot facility which will test how processed sugar cane can be turned into high-value products – creating opportunities for regional farmers to gain more work and earn more per crop.

Mackay Sugar asset Marian Mill could achieve new revenue growth if Townsend Industries’ latest project proves a success.

Dawson MP George Christensen said the project has potential for generate more

revenue for Mackay growers.

“We’re currently using only about 15 per cent of the harvested cane to produce raw sugar, which is the main revenue stream,” Mr Christensen said.

“This project is about adding other income streams for cane growers from the remainder of the crop.”

Greater Whitsunday Alliance CEO Kylie Porter said the research project would look at what high-value products could be produced, as well as the commercial applications.

Kylie Porter says Townsend Industries’ new sugar processing project will use a brand new type of extraction.

“The project is slated to be located in proximity to the Racecourse Mill in Mackay. That way they can also access the feedstock, the sugar cane that goes in for processing,” Ms Porter said.

“This project is looking at using all of the components of that billet of cane, to extract every ounce of value, whereas in traditional methods, the billet is crushed and the juice is extracted to make crystallised sugar and they’re left with fibre and gas.”

As part of the project’s “efficient” way of using cane, the remnants of processed cane will be sent on for additional processing and testing to understand the commercial and marketable value of the products.

“The way the Tilby separator works is novel in Mackay. We haven’t actually used this type of milling or extraction in Mackay,” Ms Porter said.

“However, we have multiple projects looking at how we extract high value products out of sugar, and we’ve been working in that space for a decade now.

“This project is another great step for our agriculture industry which is starting to really embrace high-value product.

“Sugar cane as a biomass … can drive so much other value and industry in the future.”

Products that could be produced through cane include “high-value textiles” from the fibre, and protein building blocks for alternative food out of fermented sugar.

Proserpine’s Wilmar Sugar has created biofuel from cane for 96 years.

“This is just another step in the right direction for creating a high-value new economy in our sugar and agricultural sector,” Ms Porter said.

“Townsend Industries have been determined about this product for the last few years.”

Canegrowers Queensland chairman Paul Schembri says the new sugar processing project will contribute to new industries and opportunities within Mackay. Picture: Contributed

Canegrowers chairman Paul Schembri said his organisation was growing a “huge and renewable biomass resource” with lots of potential.

“Projects such as this in Mackay will help us contribute to new industries and opportunities,” he said.

“We are also keen for diversified sources of income and being part of the plastic waste solution through biodegradable alternatives.”