Sugar industry leaders, regional Queensland representatives, and businesses will liaise at the State Parliament to come to terms on an agreement to supercharge regional economies through sugar-derived bioenergy, biofuels, and biomanufacturing.
Australian Sugar Manufacturers (ASM) chief executive officer Ash Salardini said that the importance of the bioeconomy cannot be understated.
“The sugar industry can supply over 30 per cent of Australia’s domestic aviation fuel needs using sugar-derived biofuels, provide affordable biogas to regional manufacturers, and replace coal to make steel production green with renewable pellets made from sugar byproducts,” he said.
“This agenda will create thousands of new jobs in places like Bundaberg, Mackay, Townsville, and Cairns. It will attract more manufacturing businesses to regional Queensland through access to affordable energy and secure the long-term viability of the sugar industry that already supports 20,000 jobs.”
The Bundaberg region could see itself soon classified as a bio-precinct, producing biofuels, biogas, and hydrogen, making it an attractive hub for heavy industries through availability of affordable and reliable energy.
Licella general manager Andrea Polson said that Project Swift in the Bundaberg region is providing a model for regional development.
“Biofuels are a scalable opportunity to support the long-term diversification of Queensland’s sugar industry,” she said.
“Project Swift, now in detailed feasibility with Isis Central Sugar Mill, offers a blueprint for turning local resources into regional jobs and new economic value. The technology’s flexibility also enables future expansion by tapping into underutilised agricultural and forestry residues.”
Around 11 million tonnes of sugarcane are produced annually in the Burdekin and Hinchinbrook, making Townsville an attractive prospect.
Townsville enterprise director of regional development and investment Chris McDougall said the region is well positioned to drive the state’s clan energy transition.
“Sugarcane can be more than just a food source; it can power Queensland’s clean energy future, drive regional development, and strengthen our sovereign fuel capability,” he said.
“With coordinated policy and investment, our region can unlock a bioenergy industry that creates jobs, attracts investment, and builds national fuel security.”
Furthermore, the sugar industry will have an opportunity to establish an internationally competitive biomanufacturing capability, with regions like Mackay being able to produce such products as high-value industrial chemicals, nutraceuticals, and alternative proteins.
Greater Whitsunday Alliance chief executive officer Kylie Porter said that it has been focused on establishing a biomanufacturing industry in the Mackay region for years.
“We know that we have all the essential ingredients required to launch this high-value sector in our region, and the time is now,” she said.
“Bringing the bioenergy and biomanufacturing agendas together has the potential to transform Queensland’s economy significantly.”