Crushing Challenges, Growing Solutions

Mackay Sugar is shifting its focus to the future following the conclusion of the 2024 crushing season. Operations at the Marian factory wrapped up earlier than expected on 14 January due to declining harvesting contractor availability and recent rain and storms across the region.

The 2024 season saw Mackay Sugar crush approximately 4.85 million tonnes of cane, producing 626,000 tonnes of raw sugar. Additionally, its cogeneration facility generated 112,570 MWh of renewable electricity, with 79,750 MWh exported to the national grid.
While the season marked significant achievements, it was not without challenges.

"Whilst there have been significant improvements this season, it has not been without its challenges," said Mackay Sugar CEO Carl Morton.

"Our teams made every effort to see the crop off this season; however, factory performance issues along with unforeseen weather events have resulted in approximately 10% of the estimated crop remaining in the paddock."

Looking ahead, Mr Morton highlighted the company's focus on continuous improvement.

"We will take the learnings from this season to help us minimise the 2025 season length, which is the ambition of not only ourselves but our growers and harvesters alike," he said.

Mackay Sugar is now diving into an extensive maintenance and capital improvement program designed to increase reliability and efficiency for 2025 and beyond. Major projects include a Falling Film Evaporator, new Pan and Cooling Tower Replacements at Racecourse, Mud Horizontal Vacuum Filter Belt and Shredder Rotor Disc upgrades at Farleigh, and enhancements to Marian’s Low-Grade Fugals Re-heater and Remelt Stations. The program also features a 5T Cane Bin Program and the introduction of two Diesel Electric Locos with matching Brake Vans.

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