Sugarcane Industry Situational Analysis: Industry consultation and roadmap development

Project locations: Brisbane, Mackay, Proserpine, Sarina, Burdekin, Ingham, Tully, Innisfail, Atherton Tablelands, Mossman, Cairns

Project partners: Sugar Research Australia Limited ; Australian Sugar Milling Council Pty Ltd ; Queensland Cane Growers Organisation Ltd ; Australian Cane Farmers Association Limited ; AgForce Queensland Farmers Ltd

Project summary and impacts

The Australian sugarcane industry is a cornerstone of northern Australia’s economy, supporting regional communities, export markets and extensive agricultural infrastructure. Recognising both the challenges facing the industry and the opportunities emerging through the global transition to a low-carbon economy, this project brought together growers, millers, researchers and industry leaders to develop a shared vision for the sector’s future.

Through extensive consultation and collaboration, the project delivered the Sugar Plus: Fuelling the Future of Food, Energy and Fabrication roadmap—the first industry-wide, consensus-driven strategy for the Australian sugarcane industry. The roadmap identified pathways to improve productivity, strengthen supply chain resilience and diversify beyond traditional sugar production into emerging opportunities such as biofuels, renewable energy, bioplastics and other bio-based products.

By establishing a unified vision to 2040, the project positioned sugarcane as a strategic renewable feedstock capable of supporting regional development, advanced manufacturing and Australia’s growing bioeconomy. The roadmap continues to inform industry planning, investment discussions and policy development, providing a foundation for future innovation and sustainable growth across northern Australia.