A month into the 2025 crushing season over 150,000 tonnes of locally grown sugarcane has already been processed at the three NSW sugar mills.
Following a communication to NSW cane growers confirming a season price in the mid-fifty-dollar range, Sunshine Sugar CEO Mr Chris Connors has also recognised the workers from all three NSW sugar mills for their efforts in delivering what has been a relatively smooth and efficient start to the 2025 crushing season.
“Whilst rain has caused some disruption to harvesting and crushing operations, the hard work and investment put in over the off-season maintenance period has delivered positive results in terms of factory start-up and performance.” Chris said.
The Harwood mill deserves particular mention for the way in which the team have been able to start and maintain crushing for the past four weeks without its 3 Mega-Watt Generator to run the turbine. Temporary generators have been installed to get the mill operational whilst the main generator undergoes major repair work.
The re-opening of the Broadwater Bridge has also made a huge difference to cane transport efficiency for Broadwater. With around 350,000 tonnes of sugarcane needing to cross the bridge to reach Broadwater Mill, the improved route adds savings in terms of both time and fuel economy, which ultimately add to the bottom line.
Chris said, “There are so many components that need to align for us to have successful season. And whilst we can’t control the weather, the working relationships we have with our growers, harvesters, mill staff and community are what makes the NSW sugar industry so great.”
Sunshine Sugar is hoping to crush the 1.65 million tonne crop by late November.
[18 July 2025]