Tully Mill - Revision history

Bmhcjs at 01:36, 5 October 2026

2026-10-05T01:36:45Z

Bmhcjs at 10:42, 11 January 2026

2026-01-11T10:42:35Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:42, 11 January 2026
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	\| established = 1925 ({{#expr:{{CURRENTYEAR}}-1925}} years ago)		\| established = 1925 ({{#expr:{{CURRENTYEAR}}-1925}} years ago)
	\| closed =		\| closed =
	\| owner = [[~~Cofco~~]]		\| owner = [[COFCO]]
	\| gauge = 610 mm (2 ft)		\| gauge = 610 mm (2 ft)
	\| crush = 2,400,000 tonnes average		\| crush = 2,400,000 tonnes (average)
	}}		}}
	~~The~~ Tully Sugar Mill was the last of the government built mills in Queensland~~. Following the ''Sugar Works Act~~ of ~~1922'',~~ the ~~Theodore State Government approved~~ the ~~construction of a mill on the banks of Banyan Creek~~. ~~The site was selected~~ by the Bureau of Central Mills, and the township of Tully (originally surveyed as Banyan) was established specifically to support the mill workers and service the facility.<ref name="QLDPlaces_Tully">Queensland Places. "Tully". Centre for the Government of Queensland. https://queenslandplaces.com.~~au/tully</ref>~~		'''Tully Sugar Mill''' is a sugar mill located in [[Tully]], approximately 140 kilometres south of [[Cairns]]. It was the last of the government built mills in [[Queensland]] and operates one of the largest cane railway networks in the country. Since 2011, it has been owned by the Chinese agribusiness [[COFCO]].

	~~The tender for~~ construction ~~was awarded to Walkers Ltd~~ of ~~Maryborough in August 1923. The~~ mill ~~conducted a trial crushing starting~~ on ~~5 November 1925, with its first full season commencing in July 1926~~. ~~It quickly proved efficient~~, ~~becoming~~ the ~~first Australian sugar~~ mill ~~to crush over 200,000 tonnes~~ of ~~cane in a single season in 1927~~.		== History ==
			=== Establishment ===
			Following the ''Sugar Works Act of 1922'', the Theodore State Government approved the construction of a mill on the banks of Banyan Creek. The site was selected by the Bureau of Central Mills, and the township of Tully (originally surveyed as Banyan) was established specifically to support the mill workers and service the facility.<ref name="QLDPlaces_Tully">Queensland Places. "Tully". Centre for the Government of Queensland. https://queenslandplaces.com.au/tully</ref>

			The tender for construction was awarded to [[Walkers Limited]] of [[Maryborough]] in August 1923. The mill conducted a trial crushing starting on 5 November 1925, with its first full season commencing in July 1926. It quickly proved efficient, becoming the first Australian sugar mill to crush over 200,000 tonnes of cane in a single season in 1927.

			=== Operational History ===
	In 1930, the ''Tully Sugar Works Act'' authorised the transfer of the mill from government control to a grower owned cooperative. The Tully Co-operative Sugar Milling Association was formed in March 1931, and the growers purchased the mill from the government later that year.		In 1930, the ''Tully Sugar Works Act'' authorised the transfer of the mill from government control to a grower owned cooperative. The Tully Co-operative Sugar Milling Association was formed in March 1931, and the growers purchased the mill from the government later that year.

	~~=== Expansion and Modernisation (1960s to 1990s) ===~~		The mill underwent its first major technical upgrade in 1963 to handle increased cane supply from the Riversdale expansion area. By 1983, the mill celebrated its first million tonne crush season.
	The mill underwent its first major technical upgrade in 1963 to handle increased cane supply from the Riversdale expansion area~~. This expansion saw new assignments granted to soldier settlers and new farmers~~. By 1983, the mill celebrated its first million tonne crush season.

	In 1990, the ~~structure of the organisation changed significantly. The~~ cooperative was dissolved, and the entity was incorporated as an unlisted public company named Tully Sugar Limited. This change allowed for greater capital investment and modernisation of the milling train ~~and transport infrastructure~~.<ref name="TullySugarHistory">Tully Sugar Limited. "Our History". https://www.tullysugar.com/about-us/history/</ref>		In 1990, the cooperative was dissolved, and the entity was incorporated as an unlisted public company named Tully Sugar Limited. This change allowed for greater capital investment and modernisation of the milling train.<ref name="TullySugarHistory">Tully Sugar Limited. "Our History". https://www.tullysugar.com/about-us/history/</ref>

	~~=== Tramway Network and Logistics ===~~		The early 21st century brought challenges, including severe weather events. In February 2011, Severe Tropical Cyclone Yasi (Category 5) crossed the coast near Mission Beach. The mill suffered significant structural damage to the cooling towers and storage sheds, and the surrounding crop was devastated.
	The ~~Tully Mill operates one of the largest cane railway networks in Australia~~, ~~utilising 610 mm~~ (~~2 ft~~) ~~gauge~~. The ~~network extends over 200 kilometres~~ and ~~services the high rainfall areas of the Tully Valley~~, ~~Euramo, Riversdale~~ and ~~El Arish~~.

	~~A significant engineering feature of~~ the ~~network is~~ the ~~bridge crossing~~ the Tully ~~River~~, ~~which allows cane to be transported from the southern sectors~~. ~~The network is known~~ for ~~its "town running~~" ~~sections where cane trains navigate through the built up areas and across the Bruce Highway~~. ~~The system is designed to operate 24 hours a day during the crush, feeding the mill with a continuous supply of cane bins~~.		=== Ownership ===
			Following the cyclone, the mill became the target of a takeover bid. In July 2011, the Chinese state owned agribusiness COFCO (via its subsidiary Top Glory) acquired Tully Sugar Limited for approximately 136 million dollars, outbidding competitors such as Bunge and Wilmar. This ended 80 years of local grower ownership.<ref name="COFCO">ABC News. "Tully Sugar shareholders vote for COFCO offer". 5 July 2011.</ref>

	=== ~~Recent History and Foreign Acquisition (2000s to Present)~~ ===		== Infrastructure ==
	~~The early 21st century brought challenges~~, ~~including severe weather events. In February 2011, Severe Tropical Cyclone Yasi~~ (~~Category 5~~) ~~crossed the coast near Mission Beach~~. The ~~mill suffered significant structural damage to the cooling towers and storage sheds,~~ and the ~~surrounding crop was devastated, with losses estimated at hundreds~~ of ~~millions of dollars for~~ the ~~district~~.		=== Tramway ===
			Tully Mill operates one of the largest cane railway networks in Australia, utilising 610 mm (2 ft) gauge. The network extends over 200 kilometres and services the high rainfall areas of the Tully Valley, Euramo, Riversdale, and El Arish.

	~~Following~~ the ~~cyclone,~~ the ~~mill became~~ the ~~target of a takeover bid. In July 2011~~, the ~~Chinese state owned agribusiness COFCO (via~~ its ~~subsidiary Top Glory) acquired Tully Sugar Limited for approximately 136 million dollars, outbidding competitors such as Bunge~~ and ~~Wilmar~~. ~~This ended 80 years of local grower ownership.<ref name~~="COFCO~~">ABC News~~. ~~"Tully Sugar shareholders vote for COFCO offer". 5 July 2011~~.~~</ref>~~		A significant engineering feature of the network is the bridge crossing the Tully River, which allows cane to be transported from the southern sectors. The network is known for its "town running" sections where cane trains navigate through the built up areas and across the [[Bruce Highway]].

			=== Technical Upgrades ===
			Under COFCO ownership, significant investment has been made into the boiler station and power generation capabilities. A new 18 MW steam turbine generator was installed to improve energy efficiency and export renewable power to the national grid.

	~~Under COFCO,~~ the ~~mill has continued to upgrade its infrastructure~~. ~~In recent years~~, ~~significant investment has been made into the boiler station and power generation capabilities to improve energy efficiency and export renewable power to the grid.~~		== Production Statistics ==
			Tully Mill consistently ranks as one of the highest throughput mills in the Northern Region.
			{\| class="wikitable"
			! Statistic
			! Value
			\|-
			\| Average Annual Crush
			\| 2,400,000 tonnes
			\|-
			\| Primary Transport Mode
			\| 610 mm Tramway
			\|-
			\| Network Length
			\| >200 kilometres
			\|}

	== Location ==		== Location ==
	<display_map>~~Tully Sugar Limited~~, ~~Tully, QLD, Australia~~</display_map>		<display_map>-17.93480, 145.92674</display_map>

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

			== References ==
			<references />

Bmhcjs: Bmhcjs moved page Tully Sugar Mill to Tully Mill

2026-01-10T06:29:45Z

Bmhcjs moved page Tully Sugar Mill to Tully Mill

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

Bmhcjs at 04:11, 9 January 2026

2026-01-09T04:11:20Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:11, 9 January 2026
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	\| coordinates = [https://www.google.com/maps?q=-17.934808375957864,145.9267456345267 17.93480° S, 145.92674° E]		\| coordinates = [https://www.google.com/maps?q=-17.934808375957864,145.9267456345267 17.93480° S, 145.92674° E]
	\| region = [[Northern Region]]		\| region = [[Northern Region]]
	\| lga = [[Cassowary Regional Council]]		\| lga = [[Cassowary Coast Regional Council]]
	\| established = 1925 ({{#expr:{{CURRENTYEAR}}-1925}} years ago)		\| established = 1925 ({{#expr:{{CURRENTYEAR}}-1925}} years ago)
	\| closed =		\| closed =
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	\| gauge = 610 mm (2 ft)		\| gauge = 610 mm (2 ft)
	\| crush = 2,400,000 tonnes average		\| crush = 2,400,000 tonnes average
	}}The Tully Sugar Mill was the last of the government-built mills in Queensland. Following the ''Sugar Works Act of 1922'', the Theodore State Government approved the construction of a mill on the banks of Banyan Creek. The site was selected by the Bureau of Central Mills, and the township of Tully (originally surveyed as Banyan) was established specifically to support the mill workers and service the facility.		}}
			The Tully Sugar Mill was the last of the government built mills in Queensland. Following the ''Sugar Works Act of 1922'', the Theodore State Government approved the construction of a mill on the banks of Banyan Creek. The site was selected by the Bureau of Central Mills, and the township of Tully (originally surveyed as Banyan) was established specifically to support the mill workers and service the facility.<ref name="QLDPlaces_Tully">Queensland Places. "Tully". Centre for the Government of Queensland. https://queenslandplaces.com.au/tully</ref>

	The tender for construction was awarded to Walkers Ltd of Maryborough in August 1923. The mill conducted a trial crushing starting on 5 November 1925, with its first full season commencing in July 1926. It quickly proved efficient, becoming the first Australian sugar mill to crush over 200,000 tonnes of cane in a single season in 1927.		The tender for construction was awarded to Walkers Ltd of Maryborough in August 1923. The mill conducted a trial crushing starting on 5 November 1925, with its first full season commencing in July 1926. It quickly proved efficient, becoming the first Australian sugar mill to crush over 200,000 tonnes of cane in a single season in 1927.

	In 1930, the ''Tully Sugar Works Act'' authorised the transfer of the mill from government control to a grower-owned cooperative. The Tully Co-operative Sugar Milling Association was formed in March 1931, and the growers purchased the mill from the government later that year.		In 1930, the ''Tully Sugar Works Act'' authorised the transfer of the mill from government control to a grower owned cooperative. The Tully Co-operative Sugar Milling Association was formed in March 1931, and the growers purchased the mill from the government later that year.

	=== Expansion and Modernisation (1960s to 1990s) ===		=== Expansion and Modernisation (1960s to 1990s) ===
	The mill underwent its first major technical upgrade in 1963 to handle increased cane supply from the Riversdale expansion area. This expansion saw new assignments granted to soldier settlers and new farmers. By 1983, the mill celebrated its first million-tonne crush season.		The mill underwent its first major technical upgrade in 1963 to handle increased cane supply from the Riversdale expansion area. This expansion saw new assignments granted to soldier settlers and new farmers. By 1983, the mill celebrated its first million tonne crush season.

	In 1990, the structure of the organisation changed significantly. The cooperative was dissolved, and the entity was incorporated as an unlisted public company named Tully Sugar Limited. This change allowed for greater capital investment and modernisation of the milling train and transport infrastructure.		In 1990, the structure of the organisation changed significantly. The cooperative was dissolved, and the entity was incorporated as an unlisted public company named Tully Sugar Limited. This change allowed for greater capital investment and modernisation of the milling train and transport infrastructure.<ref name="TullySugarHistory">Tully Sugar Limited. "Our History". https://www.tullysugar.com/about-us/history/</ref>

			=== Tramway Network and Logistics ===
			The Tully Mill operates one of the largest cane railway networks in Australia, utilising 610 mm (2 ft) gauge. The network extends over 200 kilometres and services the high rainfall areas of the Tully Valley, Euramo, Riversdale and El Arish.

			A significant engineering feature of the network is the bridge crossing the Tully River, which allows cane to be transported from the southern sectors. The network is known for its "town running" sections where cane trains navigate through the built up areas and across the Bruce Highway. The system is designed to operate 24 hours a day during the crush, feeding the mill with a continuous supply of cane bins.

	=== Recent History and Foreign Acquisition (2000s to Present) ===		=== Recent History and Foreign Acquisition (2000s to Present) ===
	The early 21st century brought challenges, including severe weather events. In February 2011, Severe Tropical Cyclone Yasi (Category 5) crossed the coast near Mission Beach. The mill suffered significant structural damage, and the surrounding crop was devastated, with losses estimated at hundreds of millions of dollars for the district.		The early 21st century brought challenges, including severe weather events. In February 2011, Severe Tropical Cyclone Yasi (Category 5) crossed the coast near Mission Beach. The mill suffered significant structural damage to the cooling towers and storage sheds, and the surrounding crop was devastated, with losses estimated at hundreds of millions of dollars for the district.

	Following the cyclone, the mill became the target of a takeover bid. In July 2011, the Chinese state-owned agribusiness COFCO (via its subsidiary Top Glory) acquired Tully Sugar Limited for approximately ~~AUD~~ 136 million, outbidding competitors such as Bunge and Wilmar. This ended 80 years of local grower ownership.		Following the cyclone, the mill became the target of a takeover bid. In July 2011, the Chinese state owned agribusiness COFCO (via its subsidiary Top Glory) acquired Tully Sugar Limited for approximately 136 million dollars, outbidding competitors such as Bunge and Wilmar. This ended 80 years of local grower ownership.<ref name="COFCO">ABC News. "Tully Sugar shareholders vote for COFCO offer". 5 July 2011.</ref>

	Under COFCO, the mill has continued to upgrade its infrastructure, ~~including~~ the ~~installation of a new 18MW steam turbine generator in 2023~~ to export renewable power to the grid.		Under COFCO, the mill has continued to upgrade its infrastructure. In recent years, significant investment has been made into the boiler station and power generation capabilities to improve energy efficiency and export renewable power to the grid.

	== Location ==		== Location ==

Bmhcjs: /* Location */

2026-01-08T04:05:40Z

Location

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:05, 8 January 2026
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	== Location ==		== Location ==
	<display_map>Tully Sugar ~~Mill~~, Tully, QLD, Australia</display_map>		<display_map>Tully Sugar Limited, Tully, QLD, Australia</display_map>

	== Rollingstock ==		== Rollingstock ==

Bmhcjs: /* Location */

2026-01-08T04:04:39Z

Location

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:04, 8 January 2026
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	== Location ==		== Location ==
	<display_map>Tully Mill, Tully, QLD</display_map>		<display_map>Tully Sugar Mill, Tully, QLD, Australia</display_map>

	== Rollingstock ==		== Rollingstock ==

Bmhcjs: /* Location */

2026-01-08T04:03:18Z

Location

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:03, 8 January 2026
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	== Location ==		== Location ==
	<display_map>Tully ~~Sugar~~ Mill, Tully, QLD</display_map>		<display_map>Tully Mill, Tully, QLD</display_map>

	== Rollingstock ==		== Rollingstock ==

Bmhcjs: /* Tramway Network and Rolling Stock */

2026-01-08T04:02:54Z

Tramway Network and Rolling Stock

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:02, 8 January 2026
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	Under COFCO, the mill has continued to upgrade its infrastructure, including the installation of a new 18MW steam turbine generator in 2023 to export renewable power to the grid.		Under COFCO, the mill has continued to upgrade its infrastructure, including the installation of a new 18MW steam turbine generator in 2023 to export renewable power to the grid.

	==~~= Tramway Network and Rolling Stock =~~==		== Location ==
	~~The~~ Tully Sugar Mill ~~operates an extensive 610 mm gauge tramway network that is of particular interest to rail enthusiasts due to its motive power and engineering standards.~~		<display_map>Tully Sugar Mill, Tully, QLD</display_map>

	'''Network Infrastructure''' The network consists of over 200 kilometres of permanent track. The main lines are predominantly laid with 60 lb/yd (30 kg/m) rail, allowing for higher axle loads and speeds compared to older cane railway standards. The system extends throughout the Tully and Murray Upper valleys, renowned for being some of the wettest operational environments for any railway in Australia.		== Rollingstock ==

	~~'''Locomotive Fleet''' The mill operates a mixed fleet of diesel-hydraulic locomotives.~~		{{#get_db_data:
			\|db=locos
			\|from=locos
			\|where=current_mill LIKE "%Tully%" OR purchasing_mill LIKE "%Tully%"
			\|data=name=name,builder=builder,model=model,serial=serial_number,year=year,current_mill=current_mill,notes=notes
			}}

	* '''Ex-QR DH Class:''' The backbone of the heavy haulage fleet consists of 40-tonne ex-Queensland Rail DH class ~~locomotives. These units were regauged from 1067 mm to 610 mm and are highly regarded for their tractive effort in wet conditions.~~		<table class="wikitable sortable" style="width: 100%;">
	* '''Com-Eng 0-6-0DH:~~''' The fleet includes several 18-tonne Commonwealth Engineering units. It is standard practice at Tully to run these in permanently coupled~~ "~~double-header" pairs to handle larger rakes, effectively creating a single articulated locomotive unit.~~		<tr>
	* '''Baldwin:~~''' Smaller 8-tonne Baldwin locomotives are retained primarily for maintenance of way (navvy) work.~~		<th>Name</th>
			<th>Builder</th>
			<th>Model</th>
			<th>Serial</th>
			<th>Year</th>
			<th>Current Mill</th>
			<th>Notes</th>
			</tr>
			{{#for_external_table:
			\| <tr>
			<td>{{{name}}}</td>
			<td>{{{builder}}}</td>
			<td>{{{model}}}</td>
			<td>{{{serial}}}</td>
			<td>{{{year}}}</td>
			<td>{{{current_mill}}}</td>
			<td>{{{notes}}}</td>
			</tr>
			}}
			</table>

Bmhcjs at 04:01, 8 January 2026

2026-01-08T04:01:39Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:01, 8 January 2026
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	\| region = [[Northern Region]]		\| region = [[Northern Region]]
	\| lga = [[Cassowary Regional Council]]		\| lga = [[Cassowary Regional Council]]
	\| established = 1925		\| established = 1925 ({{#expr:{{CURRENTYEAR}}-1925}} years ago)
	\| closed =		\| closed =
	\| owner = [[Cofco]]		\| owner = [[Cofco]]

Bmhcjs at 07:35, 7 January 2026

2026-01-07T07:35:35Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:35, 7 January 2026
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	\| coordinates = [https://www.google.com/maps?q=-17.934808375957864,145.9267456345267 17.93480° S, 145.92674° E]		\| coordinates = [https://www.google.com/maps?q=-17.934808375957864,145.9267456345267 17.93480° S, 145.92674° E]
	\| region = [[Northern Region]]		\| region = [[Northern Region]]
	\| lga = [[~~Mulgrave Shire~~ Council]]		\| lga = [[Cassowary Regional Council]]
	\| established = 1925		\| established = 1925
	\| closed =		\| closed =