The Mackay Pioneer BioPilot - formerly known as the Mackay Renewable Biocommodities Pilot Plant - run by QUT and located next to the Racecourse Mill is Australia’s only publicly accessible, pilot‑scale biorefining facility. It has just been upgraded, making it even more useful to local industry.

The plant acts as a bridge between lab research and full‑scale manufacturing. It allows companies to test and scale technologies that turn sugarcane by-products into real‑world products. That means more chances for local suppliers, apprentices, and small businesses to plug into a growing bioeconomy.

A platform for innovation

The upgrade brings new precision fermentation technology to Mackay. For companies, they can develop products faster and at lower cost. For the community, it opens pathways to skilled jobs in areas like processing, operations and quality testing.

The Deputy Dean of QUT’s Faculty of Engineering, Professor Ian O’Hara spoke to the unique platform for translating research into real-world solutions.

“The Mackay Pioneer BioPilot is designed to bridge the gap between lab-scale research and full-scale manufacturing.

“It’s a vital link in the innovation chain, helping Queensland businesses accelerate their development and further strengthening Queensland’s position as a global biocommodities leader.”

Queensland’s broader strategy and biofuels momentum

Queensland’s cane fields, transport networks and farming practices make it an ideal base for low-carbon fuels and bioproducts.

This project is not only a win for Mackay – it supports Queensland’s broader strategy to build high-value industries such as biofuels, biomedical and defence. These industries are vital for creating jobs, driving regional growth and building secure supply chains.

The biofuels sector alone has huge potential – from sustainable aviation fuel to creating the building blocks for advanced bioproducts. Facilities like the MRBPP help move these ideas from trial stage to real markets. They also attract private investment and place Queensland at the centre of the Asia-Pacific bioeconomy.

This upgrade builds on strong investment by the Queensland and Australian Governments. It shows a clear commitment to creating skilled jobs, bringing in private investment, and making Queensland a leader in sustainable fuels and advanced bioproducts.

Mackay – where the groundwork for industry growth is in place

In 2024, the Mackay State Development Area (SDA) was declared across 907 hectares at Racecourse Mill and Rosella by the Office of the Coordinator‑General (OCG). This was set up to attract industries and unlock new opportunities for regional Queensland.

The SDA provides dedicated industrial land and streamlined assessment pathways, giving industry confidence and supporting long‑term growth. For the community, that translates into more local jobs, stronger supply chains and new investment over time.

“Every project we support is a step toward a more resilient, connected and prosperous Queensland, especially in the regions,” Queensland’s Coordinator-General Gerard Coggan said. 

“The Mackay SDA is about enabling value-adding industries such as biomanufacturing and sustainable future fuels and broader industry growth by providing dedicated land and streamlined pathways for investment.”

At a glance – the Mackay Pioneer BioPilot

Where: Co‑located with Mackay Sugar’s Racecourse Mill.
What it does: Turns cane by-products (like bagasse, trash and molasses) into biofuels, green chemicals and new food ingredients
Why it’s unique: Australia’s only publicly accessible pilot‑scale biorefining facility, now upgraded for precision fermentation and food‑grade production.

Find out more

Learn about the pilot plant on QUT’s website and explore Mackay SDA to understand how it supports industry growth.