Newsroom

September 4, 2024

The KAP has welcomed the LNP's belated $12.5 million election commitment to Mossman Mill but questions where the major party was when cane growers and the Mossman community were crying out for help months ago.

KAP candidate for Cook, Duane Amos, called out the LNP's sudden interest as nothing more than a vote-buying tactic.

"Cane growers and the local community needed support months ago when farmers needed surety before harvesting so they could fertilise and invest in next year’s crop.

If the LNP truly cared about Mossman, they would have stepped up then—not at the eleventh hour with strings attached, contingent on winning government."

Amos highlighted how he, alongside Member for Hill Shane Knuth and Federal Member Bob Katter, attended a public meeting on June 7th to address the mill’s crisis and support local cane farmers.

The meeting formulated a number of key resolutions, including the establishment of a local sugar advisory board, driving Mossman growers’ voices directly into government, and increased subsidies.

“Despite Mossman not being in his electorate, Shane made a commitment to take these issues directly to the Premier.

Flanked by farmer and local government representatives, the member for Hill successfully secured outcomes for each resolution,” said Mr. Amos.

Knuth’s actions stand in stark contrast to the LNP’s delayed response.

Amos applauded Knuth’s actions and said it was a privilege to see how the veteran of the Queensland Parliament took action.

"Shane didn’t wait for an election campaign. He saw a community in need and put their interests first, which is typical of the KAP outcomes focussed advocacy for the bush” Mr Amos said.

Knuth, who successfully passed the Sugar Industry (Real Choice in Marketing) Bill in 2015, emphasized his commitment to preserving North Queensland's major industries.

"I don’t care if the Mill isn’t in my electorate. I wanted to help. Where was the LNP when the hard work needed to be done? Nowhere. But, of course, they’ve shown up just in time for the election."

Duane Amos echoed this sentiment, stating,

"Shanes dedication to the Mossman community, even when it’s outside his electorate, is exactly the kind of representation Cook deserves and one I want to emulate.

I’m committed to working tirelessly for the Mossman community to ensure our cane growers survive and that a long-term solution is secured for the Mill."