A new chairman of the Australian Sugar Milling Council (ASMC) has been elected following the retirement of John Pratt, who had led the organisation since 2015.
Jannik Olejas, chief executive officer of Mackay Sugar was chosen for the position.
The ASMC said in a statement that the election comes at an interesting time for the sugar industry, as it emerges from the challenges of two La Nina influenced growing, harvesting and processing seasons that made conditions difficult.
“In some districts, this was combined with mill related operational challenges that has brought about a longer than desired season in 2021 and 2022,” the ASMC reported.
Despite these challenged, Olejas remains optimistic that the Australian industry has a strong foundation on which to build.
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He said that his optimism for the future of the Australian sugar sector brought with it a range of challenges and opportunities, with the Milling Council concentrating policy and advocacy efforts around four key issues.
“Major focus areas for ASMC are stabilising land under cane and cane supply; energy and carbon policy and the interaction with renewable energy; continuing efforts around trade and market access; and decreasing the regulatory burden that inhibits our industry,” he said.
“The sector is energised by the opportunity to contribute to the dual goals of increasing Queensland’s renewable energy supply while reducing emissions following the release of the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan.
“In addition, ASMC will continue to offer a range of direct value add benefits to members such as advocating for a regulatory and policy environment that can unlock future investment and a focus on regional communities where we can attract the skills and labour needed to maintain and grow our industry.”
Olejas said he was looking forward to working with his fellow ASMC Directors and the broader sugar industry to ensure a continuation of the common advocacy and policy response to matters that impact the whole sugar industry.