Steam trials are under way at Isis Central Sugar Mill in preparation for the 2020 crushing season scheduled to commence on Monday.
Chief Executive John Gorringe said the mill appeared likely to cut an estimated 837,000 tonnes of cane which was 130,000 tonnes down on the previous year.
The overflowing car park at the mill is indicative of the extra resources in labour and contractors that the mill has assigned to the task of completing the $15 million cane rail line extension.
“The rail line had been a catalyst for employment with mill workers and an additional labour force fully engaged with the project which commenced in November last year,” he said.
Mr Gorringe cautioned motorists travelling the region’s roads to be aware that the crushing season brought with it the use of cane locomotives.
“Motorists really need to be aware when they approach rail line crossings and exercise a high degree of caution,” he said.
“A cane train with a rake of full cane bins cannot stop quickly.”
