$2.5 MILLION SUGAR MILL INVESTMENT LOCKS IN LOCAL JOBS

THE Liberal Nationals Government will invest up to an additional $2.5 million to help secure thousands of extra tonnes of cane for the Isis Central Sugar Mill.

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt and Federal Member for Flynn Ken O’Dowd worked to secure the initial $2.5 million for the Mill’s proposed Wallaville cane railway project, and have now locked in a further $2.5 million investment to get the project completed sooner despite prolonged dry weather and a lower world sugar price.

The $16.5 million project will see an expansion of the mill’s cane railway network between Cordalba and Wallaville, opening up more opportunity for cane production across the region.

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt said the district was suffering with the drought and lack of rain has been difficult for local canegrowers.

“Isis Central Sugar Mill is the last grower-owned mill and an important part of the Childers community and its regional economy,” Mr Pitt said.

“Not only does this project open up new growing opportunities, it means more local farming jobs.”

Approximately 300 growers supply sugar cane to the Isis Mill harvested from an area of approximately 13,000 hectares.

Federal Member for Flynn Ken O’Dowd said investing in the mill’s infrastructure was a vote of confidence in the Isis Central Sugar Mill.

“As a member of The Nationals in Canberra - the only party dedicated to representing regional communities - I understand how much effort goes into sustaining and growing a successful cooperative agricultural enterprise,” Mr O’Dowd said.

“The Isis Mill does an amazing job in an extremely tough and competitive environment, supporting local growers and providing hundreds of very valuable direct and indirect jobs throughout the region.

“Up to 20 people are expected to be employed during the construction phase.

“It’s been a tough season for growers, and expanding the district’s rail infrastructure to haul cane from the Wallaville district to Isis Mill will be a significant boost to growers in regions.

Mr McCormack said only the Liberal and Nationals have a strong plan for rural and regional Australia that puts locals first.

“The Liberal and Nationals government is able to make these important investments in community infrastructure because of our responsible economic management that will deliver a budget surplus,” Mr McCormack said.

“Because our economy is in great shape, we can afford to invest in big-ticket projects like this which create wealth, jobs and economic stimulus in regional areas like the Isis.”