We are the voice for change for the Australian sugar manufacturing sector

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.

“It has been a tough year for the sugar industry, forecasts for the crush have been continually revised down, and we are looking at a crush of 29 million tonnes. Volumes are down as are prices, as we face fiveyear lows in the sugar price.” The Australian Sugar Manufacturers (ASM) warns that without decisive action, the long-term viability of Queensland’s second largest agricultural export is at risk.

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”.

Today, the Australian Sugar Manufacturers (ASM) put forward a roadmap for biofuels and bioenergy that would underpin significant regional job opportunities while reducing emissions. The roadmap, submitted today to the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry’s National Bioenergy Feedstock Strategy, outlines a transformative vision for Australia’s sugar industry.

dcceewdcceew