We are the voice of the Australian sugar manufacturing sector

Australian Sugar Manufacturers (ASM) today submitted its 2026 – 2027 Pre-Budget Submission to the Federal Government, calling for urgent and coordinated government action to secure a sovereign Australian manufacturing capability that underpins food production, renewable energy and low-carbon liquid fuels.

ASM’s submission outlines a nationally significant opportunity to leverage Australia’s sugar manufacturing sector to deliver food, biofuels, biogas, renewable electricity and advanced biomanufacturing products. This agenda can transform regional economies and create thousands of jobs across Queensland.

The sugar manufacturing sector has the capacity through biodiversification to deliver up to 800MW of baseload renewable electricity (equivalent to the Callide B Power Station – one of the largest generators in Queensland), produce enough biofuels to meet around one-third of Australia’s domestic aviation fuel demand, and unlock further opportunities in biogas and biomanufacturing.

Australian Sugar Manufacturers Chief Executive Officer, Mr Ash Salardini, said the opportunity is real, viable and immediate – but not guaranteed.

Australian Sugar Manufacturers (ASM) would like to acknowledge the significant contribution of Isis Central Sugar Mill CEO, Craig Wood following the recent announcement of his staggered retirement after more than 36 years of service to the Queensland sugar industry.

Craig Wood’s career began as an apprentice at Isis Central Sugar Mill and has spanned multiple leadership roles across several mills, culminating in his return to Isis Mill in 2021 as Chief Executive Officer. Under his leadership, the mill has strengthened its core operations, whilst laying the groundwork for diversification into emerging biofuel opportunities.

Australian Sugar Manufacturers Chief Executive Officer, Ash Salardini has praised Mr Wood’s legacy and commitment to the sugar industry. “Craig Wood is a true stalwart of the Queensland sugar manufacturing sector. His leadership has been instrumental in ensuring Isis Central Sugar Mill remains competitive and sustainable in a rapidly changing environment. Craig’s vision to balance core sugar manufacturing with diversification projects has set a strong foundation for the future”, said Mr Salardini.

As Queensland’s sugar crush draws to a close, the industry is grappling with its most challenging season in recent memory. Sugarcane prices have slumped to five-year lows, with many mills operating at a loss, and the final crush forecast is well below recent highs of 34 million tonnes, expected to fall under 30 million tonnes for the crushing season.

“As the season come to a close, we must acknowledge the efforts of our workers in the mills who have ensured a smooth processing season, despite the season starting with damaging floods and natural disasters”, said ASM Chief Executive Officer, Ash Salardini.

Australian Sugar Manufacturers opening statement to the Queensland Parliamentary Inquiry into Sugarcane Bioenergy Opportunities at 9:00am, 19 November 2025.

The statement highlights opportunities for regional Queensland to build new job opportunities in biofuels, bioenergy and biomanufacturing, while maintaining the 20,000 jobs the sugar industry already support.

Today, sugar industry leaders, regional Queensland representatives and businesses will converge on the Queensland Parliament to put forward a bold vision to supercharge regional economies through sugar-derived bioenergy, biofuels and biomanufacturing.

Appearing today at the Brisbane hearing for the Queensland Parliamentary Inquiry into Sugarcane Bioenergy Opportunities, the Australian Sugar Manufacturers have noted the importance of the bioeconomy to not only create new regional jobs but to underpin the long-term viability of the sugar industry.

“The sugar industry can supply over 30% 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”, said Mr. Ash Salardini, CEO of the ASM.

“This agenda will create thousands of new jobs in places like Bundaberg, Mackay, Townsville and Cairns, and 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”.