About us

STL owns and operates six bulk commodity terminals in Queensland and plays a vital role in Australia’s sugar market, handling over 90% of the raw sugar produced in Australia each year. 

STL’s terminals provide 2.5 million tonnes of storage capacity and handle more than 4.6 million tonnes of commodities each year. In addition to around 4 million tonnes of bulk sugar, STL also handles more than half a million tonnes of other commodities annually, including molasses, wood pellets, gypsum and silica sands.

STL has over $350 million in assets in strategic port locations across Queensland.  We have in place 100 year leases with the port authorities at each of our six terminals.  These leases include rolling options to extend for a further 100 year period.

Purpose & Values

Purpose:

To be a sustainable, globally competitive provider of storage and handling solutions for bulk sugar and other commodities.

Values:

We are passionate about being:

Safe –
A team that cares for people
Sustainable –
Responsible stewards of our assets and the environment, maintaining and creating long term value in the business
Independent –

Equitable and honest, acting with integrity, providing open access

Service orientated –
Focused on customer satisfaction, cost-efficiency, excellence and quality
Innovative –
Future-focused, always improving, flexible, responsive and transforming
Working with us

STL are focused on delivering quality services to our customers, in line with our purpose and values. If you are interested in joining our team, please send your CV and a covering letter to info@sugarterminals.com.au

Our people
Sugar Terminals Limited (STL) owns and operates six bulk commodity terminals in Queensland, located at the ports of Cairns, Mourilyan, Lucinda, Townsville, Mackay and Bundaberg.
Board and Management
Management is represented by:
David Quinn

Appointed 22 October 2020

David is a highly regarded executive with more than 25 years’ experience in private and public sector organisations with a strong focus in the transport, logistics and shipping sectors.  Previous roles included as inaugural CEO of Building Queensland as well as senior executive management roles with Linfox, Asciano Group (Patricks and Pacific National), TasRail, GasNet Australia and BHP.  David holds a Bachelor of Economics from the University of Queensland and Bachelor of Laws with Honours from the University of Melbourne.  He was admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor in the Supreme Court of Victoria. He is a Graduate Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD).

Chris Wagner

Appointed March 2023

Chris has over 25 years’ experience in ports and logistics in Queensland as well as, more recently, radio telecommunications. Prior to joining STL, Chris was the General Manager of RCS Telecommunications overseeing their operations across the state. Before RCST Chris was Head of Finance with Pacific National in Queensland and with Patrick Stevedores overseeing the financial control of large-scale capital developments in both companies. Chris is a CPA and holds a Graduate Diploma in Advanced Accounting and a Bachelor of Business (Accounting).

Richard Hughes

Appointed 15 March 2021 

Richard has over 30 years of international experience in engineering design, construction and asset management for bulk materials handling facilities, heavy industry, transport and utilities. Prior to joining STL, Richard held engineering, project management and asset management roles with government agencies and consulting firms including Urban Utilities, Gold Coast City Council and predecessors of Aurecon and AECOM. Richard holds a Bachelor of Engineering and is a Chartered Professional Engineer, an RPEQ and a Certified ISO 55001 Asset Management Assessor

Kelly Cotton

Ms Cotton joined STL as a Company Accountant in October 2021. Kelly has over 15 years’ experience in accounting and management within Australia and internationally. Prior to joining STL, Kelly held various roles in commercial enterprises including Corporate Services Accountant at Downer and Statutory & Financial Control at Bluefield Asset Management Specialists. Kelly is a member of CPA Australia and holds a Bachelor of Accounting.

The STL Board currently has seven members:
(Alan) Mark Gray

Appointed 7 March 2017 

Mark is an accomplished Chair and Company Director. With a career spanning 50 years, he is highly experienced across a range of corporate, government and community entities, encompassing an extensive range of board and executive appointments. He has previously held Chief Executive roles with the Queensland Treasury Department, the Queensland Competition Authority; and the Queensland Independent Commission of Audit, as well as senior executive roles with the Macquarie Group and BDO. Mark holds a Bachelor of Economics (First Class Honours) from the University of Queensland and an Honorary Doctorate from Griffith University. He is a Senior Fellow with the Financial Services Institute of Australia and a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD).

Current directorships/other interests: Queensland Urban Utilities: Deputy Chair. Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia: Non-executive Director, Queensland Section, Services and Foundation. Data#3: Non-executive Director. Queensland Cricket: Non-executive Director. Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility: Non-executive Director.

Sam (Salvatore) Bonanno

Appointed 7 March 2017 

Sam is an independent company director with more than 40 years’ experience in Australia and overseas. His executive roles, with a leading global resource company, encompassed strategic planning, commercial negotiations, operations management, asset management, project management, minerals processing, ports management and bulk supply chain management. Sam has a Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical) from Central Queensland University, an Advanced Diploma in Business Management from the Australian Institute of Management and has completed the Supply Chain Management residential program at Stanford University, USA. Sam is a member of the Institute of Engineers and Graduate Member of the AICD.  Sam is the Chair of STL’s Safety, Risk and Sustainability Committee.

Current directorships/other interests: CQUniversity: Member of the Strategic Planning and Projects Committee, University Council.

Leanne Muller

Appointed 6 December 2017

Leanne is a highly experienced finance executive with a 30-year career including senior corporate financial management roles and professional advisory services roles. She has previously worked as Chief Financial Officer (or equivalent) for RACQ, Uniting Care Queensland and Energex Limited. Prior to those appointments, Leanne worked for PricewaterhouseCoopers and with the Australian Securities and Investment Commission. Leanne holds a Bachelor of Commerce and is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants and Graduate Member of the AICD.

Leanne is Chair of STL’s Finance and Audit Committee.

Current directorships/other interests: Data#3: Non-executive Director, Guide Dogs Queensland: Non-executive Director.

181124 Tony Bartolo Photo
Tony (Anthony) Bartolo

Appointed 24 October 2018.

Tony is a third generation BMP accredited
farmer and has extensive experience in
financial services and the sugar industry.
He was a Partner of DGL Accountants (from
1999 to 2013), a former Director of Mackay
Sugar Limited and is a current Director of
Mackay Area Productivity Services. Tony
is a Graduate Member of the AICD, holds
a Fellowship of CPA Australia, Bachelor of
Commerce (UQ), and a Diploma of Financial
Services (Financial Planning). He is also a
Justice of the Peace. Tony is a member of
STL’s Finance and Audit Committee.


Current directorships/other interests:
Mackay Area Productivity Services: Director

Rohan Whitmee

Appointed 18 June 2021

Rohan is General Manager Procurement Purchasing and Supply for Wilmar Sugar. He is responsible for the commercial and contractual relationships with Wilmar Sugar’s suppliers as well as engaging across all Wilmar owned businesses in Australia and New Zealand and the global Wilmar Group. His experience includes engineering, commercial and management roles across industries including mining, infrastructure, aviation, FMCG and agriculture. He has worked in Australia as well as Indonesia and the US. Rohan holds a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (Hons), a Bachelor of Economics from Monash University and an MBA from Melbourne Business School. He is a Graduate Member of the AICD.

Rohan is a member of STL’s Safety, Risk and Sustainability Committee.

SK3
Steve (Steven) Kirby

Appointed 29 November 2023

Steve founded Australian Cane Farms (ACF) in 2005 and is currently ACF’s Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director. ACF owns and operates 4,500 hectares of sugar cane farms in the Burdekin region that has an annual production of around 400,000 tonnes of sugar cane. Prior to this, Steve was a Director of NM Rothschild Australia. In his 16 year career (1989-2005) with NM Rothschild, Steve held a variety of senior roles including Head of Structured Finance and Head of Agribusiness. Steve is also a director of Benedict Industries, one of the largest integrated recycling businesses in Australia. Steve is a Chartered Accountant with over 20 years’ experience as a senior finance professional

Current directorships/other interests:  Non-executive Director, Benedict Industries: Managing Director, Australian Cane Farms

Our history

August 2018 marks 20 years since the establishment of STL.

The company’s assets have a much longer history, dating back to the 1950s and 1960s, when all six of STL’s bulk sugar terminals were constructed along Queensland’s coast.

STL was originally established as part of a suite of sugar industry reforms focused on deregulation. The timeline below charts the history of STL since its incorporation.
Governance
Board and Management

STL’s Board of Directors is responsible for the overall direction and affairs of the business. It operates in accordance with the STL Constitution and within the framework of requirements, expectations and interests of customers and communities.  The Chair oversees the conduct of the Board and its relations with shareholders and other stakeholders.  He chairs Board meetings and general meetings of shareholders and works closely with the CEO and CFO/Company Secretary.

STL’s Board Charter provides detailed information on the operation of the Board and can be viewed here.

The Board of STL comprises seven members. In accordance with the STL Constitution, G Class and M Class shareholders have equal representation on the Board, with two grower appointed Directors, two miller appointed Directors. In addition, STL has three independent Directors, including an independent Chairman.

Ownership
STL is a public company owned by more than 4,900 Queensland sugar industry grower and miller shareholders.
Constitution
Board Charter
Safety, Risk & Sustainability Committee Charter
Asset Management Policy
Finance & Audit Committee Charter
Code of Conduct Policy
Director Application Form
Safety, Health & Environment Policy
Whistleblower Policy
Diversity & Inclusion Policy
Modern Slavery Statement
Tax Transparency Statement
Directors’ Conflict of Interest Policy
Listing details

STL’s G Class Shares were listed on the National
Stock Exchange of Australia (NSX) on 26 February 2004. Only active growers may buy or sell G class shares and an order must be placed with a stockbroker of the NSX. All buy orders must be accompanied by a Member Status Declaration.

Share registry
STL’s share registry is managed by Link Market Services.
Sugar Terminals Limited
c/- Link Market Services Limited
Locked Bag A14
Sydney South NSW 1235
Frequently Asked Questions
The answers to questions detailed below are neither intended nor should be relied upon as being comprehensive. You should always make your own inquiries or seek independent advice.

No. Your G Class shares do not attach or relate to your farm and do not have to be sold with the sale of your cane farm. If as a result of the farm sale you no longer supply cane under a cane supply contract to a mill in Queensland then you are no longer an Active Grower. The implications of no longer being an Active Grower are set out below.

(i) Yes, if you supply cane under a cane supply contract to a mill in Queensland in the current season.

(ii) No, if you have leased your farm to someone else even though you may intend to resume cane growing sometime in the future.

(iii) No, if you are a natural person and the cane supply contract with the mill is in the name of a company or other legal entity in which you have an interest.

(i) You cannot purchase any more G Class shares.

(ii) You still have the right to receive notice of and attend either general meetings of the company or class meetings of G Class shareholders but you cannot vote.

(iii) You have the right to receive dividends as determined from time to time by Directors.

(iv) You must immediately notify the company in writing that you are no longer an Active Grower by completing the Member Status Declaration and you must dispose of your shares as soon as practicable.

(v) If the shares are not disposed as soon as practical then Directors may issue a written notice called a Transfer Notice.

(i) You must dispose of the shares within the time period specified in the notice.

(ii) If you fail to comply with the notice then Directors may, on your behalf, sell your shares at such price and terms and conditions as the Directors shall in their absolute discretion think fit and pay the net proceeds (after expenses) back to you.

The restrictions exist to ensure that the Company remains owned and controlled by active participants in the industry.

STL shares may be sold by way of an off market transfer to an Active Grower. Once you have found an Active Grower who wishes to purchase your shares, you should obtain the following documents from Link Market Services:

1. Off Market Standard Transfer Form

2. Member Status Declaration

The transfer document and completed Member Status Declaration should then be sent to Link Market Services for processing.

G Class shares can be traded on market through a stockbroker on the National Stock Exchange of Australia. You should refer to the Practice Note Number 8 on the National Stock Exchange of Australia website www.nsx.com.au

G Class shares can be purchased on market through a stockbroker on the National Stock Exchange of Australia. You should refer to the Practice Note Number 8 on the National Stock Exchange of Australia website www.nsx.com.au. It will be necessary for you to complete and sign a Member Status Declaration and forward it to your broker each time you purchase shares.

Where a member who held shares jointly with another person dies, the surviving joint member can make application to Link Market Services to register the surviving joint member as the holder. A certified copy of the death certificate should be provided to establish the death of the deceased.

Where a member is not a joint holder and has left a will, the deceased’s Executor may either elect to be registered as the holder or transfer the shares in accordance with his or her powers as Executor. The deceased’s Executor will need to provide Link Market Services with:

1. a certified copy of the death certificate;

2. a certified copy of the will;

3. a certified copy of Probate.

The requirement to provide probate may be waived where:

1. the value of the deceased’s holding in the Company is less than $15,000; or

2. the Company Secretary is satisfied that Probate is not being obtained due to costs involved relative to the size of the estate and that the requirement should be waived in the particular circumstance. (The Executor will need to obtain from Link Market Services a Declaration that it is not intended to apply for probate.)

Where the Executor elects to be registered as the holder of the shares, then a Transmission Application must be obtained from, completed and then returned to Link Market Services. Where the Executor elects to register the shares directly to the beneficiaries or a third party then he or she must provide the necessary transfer documentation, including a duly executed Member Status Declaration.

The Company’s dividend policy is to pay, on a bi annual basis, as high a dividend as possible having regard to the Company’s cash position and the tests set out in section 254T of the Corporations Act.

All shareholder enquiries should be directed to Link Market Services who maintain the registry of shares for Sugar Terminals Limited. Shareholders can contact Link Market Services by telephoning 1300 554 474. Alternatively, shareholders may prefer to write to:

Sugar Terminals Limited c/- Link Market Services
Locked Bag A14
Sydney South NSW 1235
T 1300 554 474
F 02 9287 0303
To notify Sugar Terminals Limited of change of address details, shareholders should immediately forward a personally signed letter quoting their shareholder number and nominating their new address to Link Market Services at the address above.
Shareholders who change their name should notify the company in writing, attaching a certified copy of a relevant marriage certificate or deed poll. Change of name information should be forwarded to Link Market Services at the address above.
Shareholders who do not wish to receive the annual report should advise the company in writing, quoting their shareholder number to Link Market Services at the address above.