Boost for northern growers: IPF invests $9M in Mackay PDC

Incitec Pivot Fertilisers (IPF) has delivered major environmental, safety and infrastructure upgrades at its Mackay Primary Distribution Centre (PDC), investing more than $9 million to support growers across one of Australia’s largest sugarcane regions.

Timed ahead of the 2025 cane planting season, the upgrades enhance service reliability and ensure greater consistency, and access to smart fertilisers such as eNpower^®. 

IPF President, Scott Bowman, said the multi-million-dollar investment highlights IPF’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and farm productivity in the region. 

“Over the past three years, we’ve invested more than $9 million in this site, to further strengthen our long-term support for the growers that help power northern agriculture,” Mr Bowman said. 

“It includes a $5.5 million upgrade to the potash shed – extending the life of the facility, significantly improving product protection, and safely removing over 4,000m² of asbestos.”

Nearly $2 million has been dedicated to environmental improvements that include a widened alleyway, a centralised wheel wash system, and a floor scrubber installation.

“The environmental upgrades reduce nutrient runoff, make the site cleaner, safer, and more efficient, while helping us meet the highest regulatory and sustainability standards,” Mr Bowman said.

“Operational efficiency has also been enhanced through upgrades to infrastructure and equipment, including refreshed electricals, a modernised milling tower, and a new forklift, to boost service reliability during the peak season.

“A new dehumidifying air conditioning system has been installed to improve blending accuracy, reduce power consumption, and prevent cross-contamination between products.

“These enhancements are part of our broader commitment to enhancing operational safety, environmental responsibility, and supply chain reliability for the future of northern farming.”

To mark the upgrades and the start of the 2025 sugarcane season, IPF officially unveiled its new pink eNpower^® bags at today’s Mackay event. 

“The distinctive packaging helps growers and retailers easily identify this enhanced efficiency fertiliser (EEF), designed for more sustainable nitrogen use,” Mr Bowman said.

“eNpower is one of those rare products that can do it all – it improves nitrogen use efficiency, meaning there is more available to the crop to potentially boosts yields, whilst at the same time reduces environmental losses. All of this to drive a better return on fertiliser investment is a proven way to boost productivity.

“The pink bags are a clear signal of innovation in our industry.

“This is an exciting time for northern agriculture, and we’re proud to continue our investment in the Mackay region to help growers achieve strong, sustainable results.”