Sugar Bioenergy Inquiry Sparks New Opportunities For Burdekin Cane Growers

The potential to transform Burdekin sugar into biofuels is lighting up exciting new opportunities for cane growers across North Queensland, following a recent public hearing in Townsville as part of the Queensland Government’s Sugar Bioenergy Inquiry.

The inquiry, which is exploring the potential for biofuel and value-added sugar production across the state, has sparked valuable discussions about how diversification could benefit not only Queensland’s sugarcane industry but also the broader agricultural sector.

Regional Area Manager for North Queensland, Angelo Rigano, said diversification could play a vital role in boosting sustainability and strengthening farm resilience.

“Diversification can help primary producers boost biodiversity, create additional income streams, and mitigate on-farm risks – which are all also timely considerations as we approach disaster season,” Mr Rigano said.

The shift toward bioenergy represents an opportunity to add long-term value to the sugar industry, opening doors for innovation, employment, and environmental benefits. While the final report into the Sugar Bioenergy Inquiry is expected within the next year, Queensland primary producers are being encouraged to explore diversification opportunities right now.

Mr Rigano outlined five practical ways producers can diversify their operations through QRIDA’s First Start or Sustainability Loans:

1. Expand into paddock-to-plate: QRIDA’s Sustainability Loans can fund value-adding activities such as constructing a commercial kitchen to help expand your farm business into a paddock-to-plate model. See Wide Bay fruit and vegetable growers and QRIDA Sustainability Loan clients Greg and CC Petersen’s success story here.
2. Plant alternative crops and integrate livestock: Whether you’re starting out or expanding, QRIDA’s loans can help diversify into new crops and livestock. Western Queensland goat and beef producer and QRIDA First Start Loan client Ed Wade successfully diversified into goats through this initiative.
3. Buy additional rural properties: QRIDA’s Sustainability Loans can assist producers in purchasing more land or entering share-farming or lease-farming arrangements. Central Queensland graziers and QRIDA clients Sam and Casey Alsop used their loans to purchase a second property.
4. Build on-farm packing facilities: Producers can take greater control of their supply chain and minimise risk by constructing their own packing facilities. North Queensland citrus growers, the Bugno family, used a QRIDA Sustainability Loan to install a computerised packing machine on-farm.
5. Construct rural workers’ accommodation: QRIDA’s Sustainability Loans can help improve productivity and workforce retention by funding rural workers’ housing. The Spotswood family, who own an organics operation in North Queensland, used their loan to build on-farm accommodation.

For more information, visit QRIDA’s First Start Loan or Sustainability Loan webpages, or call 1800 623 946.

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