South Johnstone Mill - Revision history

Bmhcjs at 01:32, 5 October 2026

2026-10-05T01:32:44Z

Bmhcjs at 10:41, 11 January 2026

2026-01-11T10:41:27Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:41, 11 January 2026
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	\| crush = 1,100,000 tonnes, seasonal average		\| crush = 1,100,000 tonnes, seasonal average
	}}		}}
	~~The~~ South Johnstone Sugar Mill ~~was established~~ following the ''Sugar Works Act of 1911'', ~~which authorised the construction of central sugar mills~~ to encourage settlement in North Queensland~~. A Royal Commission selected the site on the South Johnstone River due to the fertile soils of the surrounding district, including the Japoon Valley, Liverpool Creek,~~ and ~~Maria Creek areas.<ref name="QLDPlaces_SJ">Queensland Places. "South Johnstone". Centre~~ for the ~~Government of Queensland. https://queenslandplaces.com~~.~~au/south-johnstone</ref>~~		'''South Johnstone Sugar Mill''' is a sugar mill located in [[South Johnstone]], approximately 10 kilometres west of [[Mourilyan]]. Established in 1914 following the ''Sugar Works Act of 1911'', it was constructed to encourage settlement in North Queensland and today serves as a key asset for [[MSF Sugar]] in the region.

	Construction began in 1914 but faced significant delays due to the outbreak of World War I. A notable incident ~~during construction~~ involved the loss of critical machinery and Fowler steam locomotives, which were aboard a transport ship sunk by a German warship ~~while en route from England~~. Management was forced to source replacement materials from within Australia, and the mill was largely built using day labour.<ref name="HistoryPin">Historypin. "Building South Johnstone Sugar Mill". https://www.historypin.org/en/building-south-johnstone-sugar-mill/</ref>		== History ==
			=== Establishment ===
			A Royal Commission selected the site on the South Johnstone River due to the fertile soils of the surrounding district, including the Japoon Valley, Liverpool Creek, and Maria Creek areas.<ref name="QLDPlaces_SJ">Queensland Places. "South Johnstone". Centre for the Government of Queensland. https://queenslandplaces.com.au/south-johnstone</ref>

			Construction began in 1914 but faced significant delays due to the outbreak of World War I. A notable incident involved the loss of critical machinery and [[John Fowler & Co.\|Fowler]] steam locomotives, which were aboard a transport ship sunk by a German warship. Management was forced to source replacement materials from within Australia, and the mill was largely built using day labour.<ref name="HistoryPin">Historypin. "Building South Johnstone Sugar Mill". https://www.historypin.org/en/building-south-johnstone-sugar-mill/</ref>

	The mill crushed its first cane in October 1916 under government control. In its first season, which lasted until February 1917, the mill produced 4,729 tonnes of raw sugar.		The mill crushed its first cane in October 1916 under government control. In its first season, which lasted until February 1917, the mill produced 4,729 tonnes of raw sugar.

	=== The Cooperative Era (~~1927 to 2001~~) ===		=== The Cooperative Era (1927–2001) ===
	In 1927, the mill was transferred to grower ownership, and the South Johnstone Co-operative Sugar Milling Association Limited was formed. This transition triggered significant industrial unrest, most notably the bitter South Johnstone Strike of 1927, where the new cooperative management sought to reduce the workforce.<ref name="Strike1927">Working Class History. "South Johnstone Strike". https://stories.workingclasshistory.com/article/12715/south-johnstone-strike</ref> The district later became a focal point for the 1935 Weil's disease strike, which led to improved health standards in the industry.		In 1927, the mill was transferred to grower ownership, and the South Johnstone Co-operative Sugar Milling Association Limited was formed. This transition triggered significant industrial unrest, most notably the bitter South Johnstone Strike of 1927, where the new cooperative management sought to reduce the workforce.<ref name="Strike1927">Working Class History. "South Johnstone Strike". https://stories.workingclasshistory.com/article/12715/south-johnstone-strike</ref> The district later became a focal point for the 1935 Weil's disease strike, which led to improved health standards in the industry.

	During this era, the mill acted as the economic anchor for the local township. The tramway network was expanded significantly to service soldier settlement farms in the El Arish area. By the 1970s, production had increased substantially, frequently exceeding 100,000 tonnes of sugar per season~~. The mill celebrated its 50th year as a cooperative in 1977~~.		During this era, the mill acted as the economic anchor for the local township. The tramway network was expanded significantly to service soldier settlement farms in the El Arish area. By the 1970s, production had increased substantially, frequently exceeding 100,000 tonnes of sugar per season.

	However, the late 1990s brought financial difficulties caused by low global sugar prices, cyclones, and crop disease. In 2000, the mill struggled to remain solvent, and in 2001, the cooperative went into receivership.<ref name="Receivership">Just Food. "South Johnstone highlights problems facing entire sugar industry". 24 January 2001.</ref>		However, the late 1990s brought financial difficulties caused by low global sugar prices, cyclones, and crop disease. In 2000, the mill struggled to remain solvent, and in 2001, the cooperative went into receivership.<ref name="Receivership">Just Food. "South Johnstone highlights problems facing entire sugar industry". 24 January 2001.</ref>

	=== Corporate Ownership (~~2001 to Present~~) ===		=== Corporate Ownership (2001–Present) ===
	In 2001, Bundaberg Sugar acquired the South Johnstone mill from the receivers, ending 74 years of cooperative ownership. Bundaberg Sugar operated the mill for nearly a decade before entering a joint venture with the Maryborough Sugar Factory (MSF) in 2010.		In 2001, [[Bundaberg Sugar]] acquired the South Johnstone mill from the receivers, ending 74 years of cooperative ownership. Bundaberg Sugar operated the mill for nearly a decade before entering a joint venture with the [[Maryborough Sugar Factory]] (MSF) in 2010.

	This joint venture merged the operations of the South Johnstone, Mulgrave, Babinda, and Tableland ~~mills~~. In 2011, MSF Sugar acquired 100 per cent ownership of the joint venture assets~~, making them the sole owner of South Johnstone~~. Shortly after, in 2012, MSF Sugar was itself acquired by the Thai sugar giant Mitr Phol.<ref name="MSF_MitrPhol">Australian Financial Review. "Mitr Phol completes MSF Sugar takeover". 23 February 2012.</ref>		This joint venture merged the operations of the South Johnstone, [[Mulgrave Mill]], [[Babinda Mill]], and [[Tableland Mill]]s. In 2011, MSF Sugar acquired 100 per cent ownership of the joint venture assets. Shortly after, in 2012, MSF Sugar was itself acquired by the Thai sugar giant Mitr Phol.<ref name="MSF_MitrPhol">Australian Financial Review. "Mitr Phol completes MSF Sugar takeover". 23 February 2012.</ref>

	~~Under MSF Sugar, the mill continues to operate, processing cane from the South Johnstone, Silkwood, Kurrimine Beach, and Japoon areas.~~		== Infrastructure ==
			=== Tramway ===
	=== Tramway ~~Operations~~ ===		South Johnstone operates an extensive 610 mm (2 ft) gauge tramway network that is vital to its logistics. The network is historically significant as it connects with the [[Mourilyan Mill]] tramway system.
	South Johnstone operates an extensive 610 mm gauge tramway network that is vital to its logistics. The network is historically significant as it connects with the Mourilyan ~~Sugar~~ Mill tramway system.

	Key features of the tramway network include:		Key features of the tramway network include:
			* '''Japoon Line:''' A major branch servicing the Japoon Valley.
			* '''Township Running:''' The main line runs directly through the centre of the South Johnstone township, a distinctive feature where cane trains share space with road traffic near the mill entry.
			* '''Mourilyan Connection:''' Historically, the system connected to the Mourilyan Harbour line, facilitating the transport of raw sugar to the bulk terminals.

	* Japoon Line: A major branch servicing the Japoon Valley.		== Significant Events ==
	* Township Running: The main line runs directly through the centre of the South Johnstone township, a distinctive feature where cane trains share space with road traffic near the mill entry.		* '''1918 Cyclone:''' The mill and surrounding township were heavily damaged just two years after opening, leading to a rebuild that influenced the local architecture.
	* Mourilyan Connection: Historically, the system connected to the Mourilyan Harbour line, facilitating the transport of raw sugar to the bulk terminals.		* '''World War I:''' Caused the loss of original rolling stock and machinery at sea.
			* '''Cyclone Larry (2006) and Yasi (2011):''' Both cyclones caused extensive damage to the mill infrastructure and the cane crop, impacting throughput for subsequent seasons.
	The fleet has historically comprised a mix of steam locomotives (in the early years) and diesel hydraulic locomotives. Following the integration with MSF Sugar, the rolling stock has been managed alongside the Mulgrave mill fleet, though South Johnstone retains its own dedicated maintenance facilities.

	=== Significant Events ===

	* 1918 Cyclone: The mill and surrounding township were heavily damaged just two years after opening, leading to a rebuild that influenced the local architecture.
	* World War I: Caused the loss of original rolling stock and machinery at sea.
	* Cyclone Larry (2006) and Yasi (2011): Both cyclones caused extensive damage to the mill infrastructure and the cane crop, impacting throughput for subsequent seasons.

	== Location ==		== Location ==
	<display_map>~~South Johnstone Mill~~, ~~South Johnstone, QLD~~</display_map>		<display_map>-17.60533, 145.99218</display_map>

	== Rollingstock ==		== Rollingstock ==
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	}}		}}
	</table>		</table>

			== References ==
			<references />

Bmhcjs: Bmhcjs moved page South Johnstone Sugar Mill to South Johnstone Mill without leaving a redirect

2026-01-10T06:29:01Z

Bmhcjs moved page South Johnstone Sugar Mill to South Johnstone Mill without leaving a redirect

← Older revision	Revision as of 16:29, 10 January 2026
(No difference)

Bmhcjs at 04:09, 9 January 2026

2026-01-09T04:09:12Z

Bmhcjs at 04:01, 8 January 2026

2026-01-08T04:01:19Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:01, 8 January 2026
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	\| region = [[Northern Region]]		\| region = [[Northern Region]]
	\| lga = [[Cassowary Coast Regional Council]]		\| lga = [[Cassowary Coast Regional Council]]
	\| established = 1914		\| established = 1914 ({{#expr:{{CURRENTYEAR}}-1914}} years ago)
	\| closed =		\| closed =
	\| owner = [[MSF Sugar]]		\| owner = [[MSF Sugar]]

Bmhcjs at 21:49, 7 January 2026

2026-01-07T21:49:15Z

Show changes

Bmhcjs at 21:48, 7 January 2026

2026-01-07T21:48:09Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:48, 8 January 2026
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	{{Infobox Mill		{{Infobox Mill
	\| name = ~~Mossman Central~~ Mill		\| name = South Johnstone Mill
	\| image = DJI 0051.jpg		\| image = DJI 0051.jpg
	\| caption = South Johnstone Mill. 2025.		\| caption = South Johnstone Mill. 2025.

Bmhcjs at 21:47, 7 January 2026

2026-01-07T21:47:46Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:47, 8 January 2026
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	\| owner = [[MSF Sugar]]		\| owner = [[MSF Sugar]]
	\| gauge = 610 mm (2 ft)		\| gauge = 610 mm (2 ft)
	\| crush = ~~700~~,000 tonnes ~~(5yr~~ average)		\| crush = 1,100,000 tonnes, seasonal average
	}}The South Johnstone Sugar Mill was established following the ''Sugar Works Act of 1911'', which authorised the construction of central sugar mills to encourage settlement in North Queensland. A Royal Commission selected the site on the South Johnstone River due to the fertile soils of the surrounding district, including the Japoon Valley, Liverpool Creek, and Maria Creek areas.		}}The South Johnstone Sugar Mill was established following the ''Sugar Works Act of 1911'', which authorised the construction of central sugar mills to encourage settlement in North Queensland. A Royal Commission selected the site on the South Johnstone River due to the fertile soils of the surrounding district, including the Japoon Valley, Liverpool Creek, and Maria Creek areas.

Bmhcjs at 21:47, 7 January 2026

2026-01-07T21:47:05Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:47, 8 January 2026
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	\| image = DJI 0051.jpg		\| image = DJI 0051.jpg
	\| caption = South Johnstone Mill. 2025.		\| caption = South Johnstone Mill. 2025.
	\| coordinates = [https://www.google.com/maps?q=-16.~~45786~~,145.~~37836 16~~.~~45786°~~ S, 145.~~37836°~~ E]		\| coordinates = [https://www.google.com/maps?q=-17.605336471562488,145.99218995159404 17.60533° S, 145.99218° E]
	\| region = [[Northern Region]]		\| region = [[Northern Region]]
	\| lga = [[Cassowary Coast Regional Council]]		\| lga = [[Cassowary Coast Regional Council]]

Bmhcjs at 21:45, 7 January 2026

2026-01-07T21:45:32Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:45, 8 January 2026
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	~~[[File:~~DJI 0051.jpg\|~~thumb\|~~South Johnstone Mill~~, South Johnstone~~. 2025.]]		{{Infobox Mill
			\| name = Mossman Central Mill
	== ~~South Johnstone Sugar Mill~~ ==		\| image = DJI 0051.jpg
			\| caption = South Johnstone Mill. 2025.
	=== ~~Establishment and Government Control~~ (~~1911 to 1927~~) ===		\| coordinates = [https://www.google.com/maps?q=-16.45786,145.37836 16.45786° S, 145.37836° E]
	The South Johnstone Sugar Mill was established following the ''Sugar Works Act of 1911'', which authorised the construction of central sugar mills to encourage settlement in North Queensland. A Royal Commission selected the site on the South Johnstone River due to the fertile soils of the surrounding district, including the Japoon Valley, Liverpool Creek, and Maria Creek areas.		\| region = [[Northern Region]]
			\| lga = [[Cassowary Coast Regional Council]]
			\| established = 1914
			\| closed =
			\| owner = [[MSF Sugar]]
			\| gauge = 610 mm (2 ft)
			\| crush = 700,000 tonnes (5yr average)
			}}The South Johnstone Sugar Mill was established following the ''Sugar Works Act of 1911'', which authorised the construction of central sugar mills to encourage settlement in North Queensland. A Royal Commission selected the site on the South Johnstone River due to the fertile soils of the surrounding district, including the Japoon Valley, Liverpool Creek, and Maria Creek areas.

	Construction began in 1914 but faced significant delays due to the outbreak of World War I. A notable incident during construction involved the loss of critical machinery and Fowler steam locomotives, which were aboard a transport ship sunk by a German warship while en route from England. Management was forced to source replacement materials from within Australia, and the mill was largely built using day labour.		Construction began in 1914 but faced significant delays due to the outbreak of World War I. A notable incident during construction involved the loss of critical machinery and Fowler steam locomotives, which were aboard a transport ship sunk by a German warship while en route from England. Management was forced to source replacement materials from within Australia, and the mill was largely built using day labour.

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:09, 9 January 2026
Line 11:		Line 11:
	\| gauge = 610 mm (2 ft)		\| gauge = 610 mm (2 ft)
	\| crush = 1,100,000 tonnes, seasonal average		\| crush = 1,100,000 tonnes, seasonal average
	}}The South Johnstone Sugar Mill was established following the ''Sugar Works Act of 1911'', which authorised the construction of central sugar mills to encourage settlement in North Queensland. A Royal Commission selected the site on the South Johnstone River due to the fertile soils of the surrounding district, including the Japoon Valley, Liverpool Creek, and Maria Creek areas.		}}
			The South Johnstone Sugar Mill was established following the ''Sugar Works Act of 1911'', which authorised the construction of central sugar mills to encourage settlement in North Queensland. A Royal Commission selected the site on the South Johnstone River due to the fertile soils of the surrounding district, including the Japoon Valley, Liverpool Creek, and Maria Creek areas.<ref name="QLDPlaces_SJ">Queensland Places. "South Johnstone". Centre for the Government of Queensland. https://queenslandplaces.com.au/south-johnstone</ref>

	Construction began in 1914 but faced significant delays due to the outbreak of World War I. A notable incident during construction involved the loss of critical machinery and Fowler steam locomotives, which were aboard a transport ship sunk by a German warship while en route from England. Management was forced to source replacement materials from within Australia, and the mill was largely built using day labour.		Construction began in 1914 but faced significant delays due to the outbreak of World War I. A notable incident during construction involved the loss of critical machinery and Fowler steam locomotives, which were aboard a transport ship sunk by a German warship while en route from England. Management was forced to source replacement materials from within Australia, and the mill was largely built using day labour.<ref name="HistoryPin">Historypin. "Building South Johnstone Sugar Mill". https://www.historypin.org/en/building-south-johnstone-sugar-mill/</ref>

	The mill crushed its first cane in October 1916 under government control. In its first season, which lasted until February 1917, the mill produced 4,729 tonnes of raw sugar.		The mill crushed its first cane in October 1916 under government control. In its first season, which lasted until February 1917, the mill produced 4,729 tonnes of raw sugar.

	=== The Cooperative Era (1927 to 2001) ===		=== The Cooperative Era (1927 to 2001) ===
	~~Following a period of labour unrest and industrial disputes in the 1920s (including strikes related to Weil's disease)~~, the mill was transferred to grower ownership~~. In 1927~~, the South Johnstone Co-operative Sugar Milling Association Limited was formed, ~~marking~~ the ~~beginning~~ of a ~~long period of farmer control~~.		In 1927, the mill was transferred to grower ownership, and the South Johnstone Co-operative Sugar Milling Association Limited was formed. This transition triggered significant industrial unrest, most notably the bitter South Johnstone Strike of 1927, where the new cooperative management sought to reduce the workforce.<ref name="Strike1927">Working Class History. "South Johnstone Strike". https://stories.workingclasshistory.com/article/12715/south-johnstone-strike</ref> The district later became a focal point for the 1935 Weil's disease strike, which led to improved health standards in the industry.

	During this era, the mill acted as the economic anchor for the local township. The tramway network was expanded significantly to service soldier settlement farms in the El Arish area. By the 1970s, production had increased substantially, frequently exceeding 100,000 tonnes of sugar per season. The mill celebrated its 50th year as a cooperative in 1977.		During this era, the mill acted as the economic anchor for the local township. The tramway network was expanded significantly to service soldier settlement farms in the El Arish area. By the 1970s, production had increased substantially, frequently exceeding 100,000 tonnes of sugar per season. The mill celebrated its 50th year as a cooperative in 1977.

	However, the late 1990s brought financial difficulties caused by low global sugar prices, cyclones, and crop disease. In 2000, the mill struggled to remain solvent, and in 2001, the cooperative went into receivership.		However, the late 1990s brought financial difficulties caused by low global sugar prices, cyclones, and crop disease. In 2000, the mill struggled to remain solvent, and in 2001, the cooperative went into receivership.<ref name="Receivership">Just Food. "South Johnstone highlights problems facing entire sugar industry". 24 January 2001.</ref>

	=== Corporate Ownership (2001 to Present) ===		=== Corporate Ownership (2001 to Present) ===
	In 2001, Bundaberg Sugar acquired the South Johnstone mill from the receivers, ending 74 years of cooperative ownership. Bundaberg Sugar operated the mill for nearly a decade before entering a joint venture with the Maryborough Sugar Factory (MSF) in 2010.		In 2001, Bundaberg Sugar acquired the South Johnstone mill from the receivers, ending 74 years of cooperative ownership. Bundaberg Sugar operated the mill for nearly a decade before entering a joint venture with the Maryborough Sugar Factory (MSF) in 2010.

	This joint venture merged the operations of the South Johnstone, Mulgrave, Babinda, and Tableland mills. In 2011, MSF Sugar acquired 100 per cent ownership of the joint venture assets, making them the sole owner of South Johnstone. Shortly after, in 2012, MSF Sugar was itself acquired by the Thai sugar giant Mitr Phol.		This joint venture merged the operations of the South Johnstone, Mulgrave, Babinda, and Tableland mills. In 2011, MSF Sugar acquired 100 per cent ownership of the joint venture assets, making them the sole owner of South Johnstone. Shortly after, in 2012, MSF Sugar was itself acquired by the Thai sugar giant Mitr Phol.<ref name="MSF_MitrPhol">Australian Financial Review. "Mitr Phol completes MSF Sugar takeover". 23 February 2012.</ref>

	Under MSF Sugar, the mill continues to operate, processing cane from the South Johnstone, Silkwood, Kurrimine Beach, and Japoon areas.		Under MSF Sugar, the mill continues to operate, processing cane from the South Johnstone, Silkwood, Kurrimine Beach, and Japoon areas.
Line 36:		Line 37:
	Key features of the tramway network include:		Key features of the tramway network include:

	* ~~'''The~~ Japoon Line:~~'''~~ A major branch servicing the Japoon Valley.		* Japoon Line: A major branch servicing the Japoon Valley.
	* ~~'''~~Township Running:~~'''~~ The main line runs directly through the centre of the South Johnstone township, a distinctive feature where cane trains share space with road traffic near the mill entry.		* Township Running: The main line runs directly through the centre of the South Johnstone township, a distinctive feature where cane trains share space with road traffic near the mill entry.
	* ~~'''~~Mourilyan Connection:~~'''~~ Historically, the system connected to the Mourilyan Harbour line, facilitating the transport of raw sugar to the bulk terminals.		* Mourilyan Connection: Historically, the system connected to the Mourilyan Harbour line, facilitating the transport of raw sugar to the bulk terminals.

	The fleet has historically comprised a mix of steam locomotives (in the early years) and diesel-hydraulic locomotives. Following the integration with MSF Sugar, the rolling stock has been managed alongside the Mulgrave mill fleet, though South Johnstone retains its own dedicated maintenance facilities.		The fleet has historically comprised a mix of steam locomotives (in the early years) and diesel hydraulic locomotives. Following the integration with MSF Sugar, the rolling stock has been managed alongside the Mulgrave mill fleet, though South Johnstone retains its own dedicated maintenance facilities.

	=== Significant Events ===		=== Significant Events ===

	* ~~'''~~1918 Cyclone:~~'''~~ The mill and surrounding township were heavily damaged just two years after opening, leading to a rebuild that influenced the local architecture.		* 1918 Cyclone: The mill and surrounding township were heavily damaged just two years after opening, leading to a rebuild that influenced the local architecture.
	* ~~'''~~World War I:~~'''~~ Caused the loss of original rolling stock and machinery at sea.		* World War I: Caused the loss of original rolling stock and machinery at sea.
	* ~~'''~~Cyclone Larry (2006) and Yasi (2011):~~'''~~ Both cyclones caused extensive damage to the mill infrastructure and the cane crop, impacting throughput for subsequent seasons.		* Cyclone Larry (2006) and Yasi (2011): Both cyclones caused extensive damage to the mill infrastructure and the cane crop, impacting throughput for subsequent seasons.

	== Location ==		== Location ==