Owen Menkens from CANEGROWERS speaks with Fiona Fox from ARR.News (5 November 2025):

Canegrowers, Media Release, 4 November 2025

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 the moment was deeply disappointing for the Mossman community, which has been shaped by sugarcane farming for generations.

“This is a very sad day for Mossman and for the generations of farming families who built an industry that supported local jobs, schools and businesses for more than a century,” Mr Menkens said.

“While this marks 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.”

Mr Menkens said that while no commercial agreement was yet in place for future seasons, growers remained determined to continue producing food and fibre for Queensland.

“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.”

CANEGROWERS Mossman continues to participate in the Mossman Advisory Committee and is working with government and local stakeholders to explore sustainable options for agriculture and diversification in the Douglas region.