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Sugar defied COVID to deliver economic boost for Queensland
15 March 2022
The Queensland sugar industry’s resilience to the combined impact of COVID-19, poor global sugar prices, international market distortions and adverse weather has been confirmed by a new economic report released today.
The Australian Sugar Milling Council (ASMC) commissioned report shows the economic contribution of the industry to Queensland had remained stable at $3.8 billion in 2020-21and supported almost 20,000 full-time equivalent direct and indirect jobs.
The Australian Sugar Milling Council (ASMC) commissioned report shows the economic contribution of the industry to Queensland had remained stable at $3.8 billion in 2020-21and supported almost 20,000 full-time equivalent direct and indirect jobs.
ASMC Chief Executive Officer Rachele Sheard said the report found in 2020/21 the Queensland sugar mills spent a total of $2.3 billion on cane, mill worker wages, mill inputs and government charges and taxes.
“When the economic multiplier is added, the $2.3 billion spent by Queensland’s mills resulted in the Queensland sugar industry contributing $3.8 billion or the equivalent of more than $10 million every day,” she said.
Ms Sheard said the annual spend by sugar mills in 2020-21 was almost identical to 2017-18 when this analysis was last undertaken and when average global sugar prices were stronger.
“The Queensland sugar industry has once again provided a shot in the arm to regional Queensland when it needed it most. This resilience is a tribute and show of commitment to our industry right across the entire supply chain – from our sugarcane farmers, the mills’ workforce and supporting industries,” Ms Sheard said.
The industry has a bright future and we look forward to the continued support of communities and Governments to further increase our economic contribution,” Ms Sheard said.
-ENDS-
For Region specific Media Releases please click on the links below:
Link to ASMC report https://asmc.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Economic-Impact-of-Qld-Sugar-Manufacturing-Industry-2020-21-Final-Report-web.pdf
Notes to Editors:
- Link to filmed comments by ASMC Chief Executive Officer Rachele Sheard
- Link to filmed comments by ASMC Director of Economics, Policy and Trade David Rynne
- Link to vision of Ms Sheard and Mr Rynne reviewing the report
- Link to filmed comments by Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson
- Link to filmed comments by Burdekin Regional Council Mayor Lyn McLaughlin
Media contact: Kirby Anderson 0400 206 502
Background
Australian Sugar Milling Council
The Australian Sugar Milling Council is a voluntary organisation, established in 1987 to represent Australian raw sugar mill owners. The Milling Council is the peak policy forum for mill owners and has as its mission to be an influential voice for change in the Australian sugar industry through leadership and policy advocacy.
The Milling Council works with its members, other industry organisations and government to develop and promote policies that enhance the commercial development of the sugar industry in Australia.