Macknade Mill: Difference between revisions
No edit summary |
No edit summary |
||
| (2 intermediate revisions by the same user not shown) | |||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
{{Infobox Mill | {{Infobox Mill | ||
| name = Macknade Sugar Mill | | name = Macknade Sugar Mill | ||
| Line 6: | Line 5: | ||
| coordinates = [https://www.google.com/maps?q=-18.58893256950519,146.25890330150386 18.58893° S, 146.25890° E] | | coordinates = [https://www.google.com/maps?q=-18.58893256950519,146.25890330150386 18.58893° S, 146.25890° E] | ||
| region = [[Herbert & Burdekin Region|Herbert River]] | | region = [[Herbert & Burdekin Region|Herbert River]] | ||
| lga = [[ | | lga = [[Hinchinbrook Shire Council]] | ||
| established = 1873 ({{#expr:{{CURRENTYEAR}}-1873}} years ago) | | established = 1873 ({{#expr:{{CURRENTYEAR}}-1873}} years ago) | ||
| closed = | |||
| owner = [[Wilmar Sugar Australia]] | | owner = [[Wilmar Sugar Australia]] | ||
| gauge = 610 mm (2 ft) | | gauge = 610 mm (2 ft) | ||
| crush = 1 | | crush = 1,500,000 tonnes (approx) | ||
}}Macknade Mill holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously operating raw sugar mill in Queensland. | }} | ||
'''Macknade Sugar Mill''' is a sugar mill located on the banks of the [[Herbert River]], approximately 12 kilometres north-east of [[Ingham]], [[Queensland]]. It holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously operating raw sugar mill in Queensland. Currently owned by [[Wilmar Sugar Australia]], it plays a central role in the development of the Ingham district. | |||
=== | == History == | ||
The origins of the mill trace back to 1871 when the Neame brothers selected land on the banks of the Herbert River. They named their property Macknade after a family home in Kent, England. | === Establishment === | ||
The origins of the mill trace back to 1871 when the Neame brothers selected land on the banks of the Herbert River. They named their property Macknade after a family home in [[Kent]], England.<ref name="Macknade150">Wilmar Sugar. "Macknade Mill celebrates 150 years". 2023.</ref> | |||
The Neame brothers constructed the original mill, which commenced its first crush in 1873. This early machinery was primitive by modern standards but established the viability of cane growing in the wet tropical climate of the Herbert River valley. | |||
In 1882, the property was sold to the Melbourne | === Operational History === | ||
In 1882, the property was sold to the Melbourne based firm Fanning & Co. However, the new owners encountered financial difficulties during the economic downturns of the 1880s. Consequently, the Neame brothers resumed control of the estate in 1887 and continued operations. | |||
A significant turning point occurred in 1897 when the [[Colonial Sugar Refining Company]] (CSR) purchased the mill. CSR possessed the capital and technical expertise required to modernise the facility. Under CSR ownership, Macknade ceased to operate as a plantation mill (where the mill owner grows the cane) and transitioned to the central mill system, processing cane from independent local growers.<ref name="CSR_History">CSR Limited. "History of Macknade Mill".</ref> | |||
Throughout the 20th century, the mill underwent extensive upgrades to increase crushing capacity and efficiency. This period also saw the expansion of the cane railway network, replacing river transport and horse | Throughout the 20th century, the mill underwent extensive upgrades to increase crushing capacity and efficiency. This period also saw the expansion of the cane railway network, replacing river transport and horse drawn drays. | ||
=== Ownership === | |||
In 2010, the sugar division of CSR (known as Sucrogen) was acquired by [[Wilmar International]]. The mill is now operated by Wilmar Sugar Australia. In 2023, Macknade celebrated its 150th year of operation, marking a century and a half of continuous sugar production. | |||
=== | == Infrastructure == | ||
=== Milling === | |||
Macknade acts as one of two mills in the Herbert River district, the other being the [[Victoria Mill]] located east of Ingham. Macknade is the smaller of the two but remains a high capacity factory. It employs a single milling train and processes cane 24 hours a day during the crushing season (typically June to November). | |||
=== Tramway === | |||
The mill is serviced by an extensive 610 mm (2 ft) gauge tramway network that connects farms throughout the northern section of the Herbert River district. The network is integrated with the Victoria Mill system, allowing for the transfer of cane and locomotives between the two sites if required. | |||
Raw sugar produced at Macknade is transported by rail to the Lucinda Bulk Sugar Terminal for export. | Raw sugar produced at Macknade is transported by rail to the [[Lucinda Bulk Sugar Terminal]] for export. | ||
== | == Production Statistics == | ||
The mill typically processes approximately 1.5 million tonnes of sugarcane annually, | The mill typically processes approximately 1.5 million tonnes of sugarcane annually. The following table includes combined figures for the Herbert Region (Macknade and Victoria mills), as they are often reported jointly due to their integrated network.<ref name="WilmarStats">Wilmar Sugar Australia. "Production Statistics".</ref> | ||
{| class="wikitable" | |||
! Statistic | |||
! Value | |||
|- | |||
| Average Annual Crush (Macknade) | |||
| 1,500,000 tonnes | |||
|- | |||
| Average Sugar Production (Macknade) | |||
| 191,000 tonnes | |||
|- | |||
| 2024 Season Crush (Herbert Region Total) | |||
| 3.84 million tonnes (12.38 CCS) | |||
|- | |||
| 2023 Season Crush (Herbert Region Total) | |||
| 3.99 million tonnes (13.02 CCS) | |||
|} | |||
== Location == | |||
<display_map>-18.58893, 146.25890</display_map> | |||
== Rollingstock == | == Rollingstock == | ||
| Line 75: | Line 93: | ||
}} | }} | ||
</table> | </table> | ||
== References == | |||
<references /> | |||
Latest revision as of 17:14, 15 January 2026
| Macknade Sugar Mill | |
|---|---|
|
| |
| Location | |
| Coordinates | 18.58893° S, 146.25890° E |
| State | Queensland |
| Region | Herbert River |
| LGA | Hinchinbrook Shire Council |
| Details | |
| Established | 1873 (153 years ago) |
| Owner | Wilmar Sugar Australia |
| Gauge | 610 mm (2 ft) |
| Annual Crush | 1,500,000 tonnes (approx) |
Macknade Sugar Mill is a sugar mill located on the banks of the Herbert River, approximately 12 kilometres north-east of Ingham, Queensland. It holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously operating raw sugar mill in Queensland. Currently owned by Wilmar Sugar Australia, it plays a central role in the development of the Ingham district.
History
Establishment
The origins of the mill trace back to 1871 when the Neame brothers selected land on the banks of the Herbert River. They named their property Macknade after a family home in Kent, England.[1]
The Neame brothers constructed the original mill, which commenced its first crush in 1873. This early machinery was primitive by modern standards but established the viability of cane growing in the wet tropical climate of the Herbert River valley.
Operational History
In 1882, the property was sold to the Melbourne based firm Fanning & Co. However, the new owners encountered financial difficulties during the economic downturns of the 1880s. Consequently, the Neame brothers resumed control of the estate in 1887 and continued operations.
A significant turning point occurred in 1897 when the Colonial Sugar Refining Company (CSR) purchased the mill. CSR possessed the capital and technical expertise required to modernise the facility. Under CSR ownership, Macknade ceased to operate as a plantation mill (where the mill owner grows the cane) and transitioned to the central mill system, processing cane from independent local growers.[2]
Throughout the 20th century, the mill underwent extensive upgrades to increase crushing capacity and efficiency. This period also saw the expansion of the cane railway network, replacing river transport and horse drawn drays.
Ownership
In 2010, the sugar division of CSR (known as Sucrogen) was acquired by Wilmar International. The mill is now operated by Wilmar Sugar Australia. In 2023, Macknade celebrated its 150th year of operation, marking a century and a half of continuous sugar production.
Infrastructure
Milling
Macknade acts as one of two mills in the Herbert River district, the other being the Victoria Mill located east of Ingham. Macknade is the smaller of the two but remains a high capacity factory. It employs a single milling train and processes cane 24 hours a day during the crushing season (typically June to November).
Tramway
The mill is serviced by an extensive 610 mm (2 ft) gauge tramway network that connects farms throughout the northern section of the Herbert River district. The network is integrated with the Victoria Mill system, allowing for the transfer of cane and locomotives between the two sites if required.
Raw sugar produced at Macknade is transported by rail to the Lucinda Bulk Sugar Terminal for export.
Production Statistics
The mill typically processes approximately 1.5 million tonnes of sugarcane annually. The following table includes combined figures for the Herbert Region (Macknade and Victoria mills), as they are often reported jointly due to their integrated network.[3]
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Annual Crush (Macknade) | 1,500,000 tonnes |
| Average Sugar Production (Macknade) | 191,000 tonnes |
| 2024 Season Crush (Herbert Region Total) | 3.84 million tonnes (12.38 CCS) |
| 2023 Season Crush (Herbert Region Total) | 3.99 million tonnes (13.02 CCS) |
Location
Rollingstock
| Name | Builder | Model | Serial | Year | Current Mill | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | Clyde | HG-3R | 65-383 | 1965 | Out of service | Shell at Victoria Mill near diesel line |
| 12 | Clyde | HG-3R | 65-434 | 1965 | Macknade Mill | |
| 14 | E.M. Baldwin | DH18A | 6-2490-1-7-68 | 1968 | Macknade Mill | |
| 16 | Clyde | DHI | DHI.1 | 1954 | Macknade Mill | Confirmed at Macknade |
| 19 | E.M. Baldwin | DH24B Mk5A | 7070-3-4-77 | 1977 | Victoria Mill | Express train |
| 20 | E.M. Baldwin | DH24B Mk5A | 7070-4-4-77 | 1977 | Macknade Mill | |
| 4 | Motor Rail | 32/42hp | 10232 | 1951 | Out of service | Stored at Macknade Mill |
| Hobart | E.M. Baldwin | DH18 Mk2 | 44-13-1-7-72 | 1972 | Macknade Mill | |
| Darwin | E.M. Baldwin | DH24B Mk1 | 6171-1-9-75 | 1975 | Macknade | Transferred to Kalamia 2024. Back to Macknade for 2025 |
| Homebush II | E.M. Baldwin | DH24B Mk5 | 6400-1-4-76 | 1976 | Macknade Mill | Due to return to Victoria Mill for 2026 |
| Townsville II | E.M. Baldwin | DH24B Mk5 | 6400-2-4-76 | 1976 | Macknade Mill | Sent to Macknade to replace 14 after derailment |
| Selkirk | E.M. Baldwin | DH26B Mk4 | 6750-1-9-76 | 1976 | Macknade Mill | |
| 2 | Motor Rail | 4wDM | 3710 | Out of service | ||
| 3 | Motor Rail | 4wDM | 3365 | Out of service | ||
| M1 | Hansen | 2-2wPMR | TBA-10 | Out of service | ||
| M2 | Hansen | 2-2wPMR | TBA-11 | Out of service |