Biofutures
Mackay's biofutures sector has emerged as a vibrant and promising industry, showcasing the region's commitment to sustainable solutions and technological innovation.
With its favourable climate and rich agricultural resources, Mackay has become a hub for bioenergy, biofuels, and bio-based products. Mackay Sugar is operating a co-generation plant where bagasse, a byproduct from the sugar production, is used to generate power equal to about 30 per cent of Mackay’s electricity needs. The region also houses the Wilmar Sugar Distillery in Sarina, where more ethanol than anywhere else in Australia is produced from sugar cane.
The sector's focus on renewable energy sources, such as sugarcane and biomass, has not only reduced carbon emissions but also opened new avenues for economic growth and job creation. Mackay's biofutures sector thrives on collaboration between academia, industry, and government, fostering research and development, attracting investments, and propelling the region towards a greener and more sustainable future.
Opportunities
In early 2023, the Queensland Government announced investigations are under way to identify a suitable site in the Mackay region for a State Development Area (SDA) for Queensland’s newest biofutures area. It is expected a development scheme could be drafted in 2024. By enhancing the value of plant-based output from conventional local industries, including sugar, the SDA would serve as a hub for the production of food, fuel, feed, and fibre products.
The region is home to the QUT Renewable Biocommodities Pilot Plant co-located at the Mackay Sugar-owned Racecourse Sugar Mill. The pilot plant is a pilot scale research and development centre that aims to develop biofuels and biocommodity products and processes that are commercially viable. The facility is undergoing a major $16 million upgrade, which aims to boost regional biomanufacturing, attract investment, create jobs, and support emerging technologies. This will be the first precision fermentation facility in Australia's Trailblazer Food and Beverage Accelerator.
