Homebush Mill
| Homebush Mill | |
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|
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| 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) |
_locos_bought_by_CSR_for_Homebush_Mill._c1883_from_the_Brandon_Collection._(John_Oxley_library_No_6298-0001-0063r).jpg)
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, 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.[1] Construction of the mill commenced in July 1881, utilising machinery ordered from Mirrlees, Tait and Watson of Glasgow.
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.[2]
In 1891, CSR began subdividing its estate land, allowing farmers to purchase plots and supply cane to the mill independently. 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.
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.[3]
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.
Infrastructure
Tramway
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 610 mm (2 ft) gauge tramway network. CSR ordered 50 miles of track, six locomotives, and 300 cane wagons from Decauville and John Fowler & Co. for its Homebush and Victoria Mill 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.[4]
Production Statistics
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Annual Crush | 65,000 tonnes |
| Final Season Crush (1921) | 71,721 tons |
| Railway Gauge | 610 mm (2 ft) |
| Status | Closed and Dismantled |
Location
Rollingstock
| Name | Builder | Model | Serial | Year | Current Mill | Notes |
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