Homebush Mill

Homebush Mill
Homebush Mill, circa 1883.
Location
Coordinates	21.26964° S, 149.05252° E
State	Queensland
Region	Mackay
LGA	Mackay Regional Council
Details
Established	1883 (143 years ago)
Closed	1922 (104 years ago)
Owner	CSR Sugar
Gauge	610 mm (2 ft)
Annual Crush	65,000 tonnes, seasonal average prior to closure

The Homebush Mill was a raw sugar factory located on Sandy Creek in the Mackay district of Queensland, Australia. Established by the Colonial Sugar Refining Company (CSR) in the early 1880s, it operated for nearly forty years before closing in 1922. The mill played a significant role in the development of the region's sugar infrastructure and the refinement of cane payment formulas.

History

Establishment

The land comprising the Homebush run was originally selected by John Mackay in 1862 for grazing purposes. By the late 1870s, the Colonial Sugar Refining Company (CSR) sought to expand its operations into Queensland to counter competition from local white sugars against its New South Wales production.

CSR purchased the Homebush selection in 1881. Unlike many contemporary mills that purchased cane from independent small growers, Homebush was established primarily as a plantation mill, with the company intending to cultivate large tracts of its own cane. Construction of the mill commenced in July 1881, utilising machinery ordered from Mirrlees, Tait and Watson of Glasgow. The factory was housed in a building measuring 60 by 33 metres and included two triple effets from the Fives-Lille Company.

Operations

The mill commenced crushing on 3 September 1883. It was designed with a capacity to treat between 45,000 and 50,000 tons of cane per season.

Labour shortages were a persistent issue during the mill's early years. CSR initially imported Cingalese (Sri Lankan) and Chinese labourers in 1882, followed by Javanese workers in 1885. Following the prohibition of Javanese labour importation by the Dutch government in 1886, Japanese labourers were employed in the 1890s.

In 1891, CSR began subdividing its estate land, allowing farmers to purchase plots and supply cane to the mill independently. This scheme proved successful, and by 1895, approximately 150 farmers were supplying the mill. It was during its operations at Homebush that CSR helped develop the P.O.C.S. (Pure Obtainable Cane Sugar) formula, which eventually evolved into the C.C.S. (Commercial Cane Sugar) formula used throughout the industry for grower payments.

The mill suffered significant damage during the 1918 Mackay cyclone. Most buildings lost their roofs, and the locomotive running shed, stables, and barracks collapsed. Approximately one third of the 3,900 tons of stored sugar was lost to storm damage.

Tramways

Homebush Mill was a pioneer in the use of locomotive-hauled tramways in the Queensland sugar industry. To support 24-hour crushing operations, CSR installed an extensive two-foot (610 mm) gauge tramway network, distinct from the 3 ft 6 in gauge lines used by some competitors. CSR ordered 50 miles of track, six locomotives, and 300 cane wagons from Decauville and John Fowler & Co. for its Homebush and Victoria estates.

One notable locomotive, "Homebush" (Hudswell Clarke 1067 of 1914), operated at the mill from 1915 until its closure, after which it was transferred to Victoria Mill.

Closure

By 1920, CSR faced legal difficulties regarding the regulation of cane prices and deemed the Homebush operation marginally profitable compared to its other assets. The company announced that the 1921 season would be its last. The final crush concluded on 6 January 1922, processing a record crop of 71,721 tons.

Following the closure, the mill machinery was dismantled and transferred to other CSR mills. The cane supply area was subsequently serviced by the Farleigh Mill and later the Racecourse Mill.

Former Location

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Rollingstock

Name	Builder	Model	Serial	Year	Current Mill	Notes