Condong

This photo, taken from the back of my house and looking across the valley, shows the Condong Sugar Mill, now in full production as the sugar cane harvesting season is here.

There are three sugar mills in northern New South Wales, others being at Harboard and Broadwater.

The old locals don't mind the sugar cane season, when the burning begins, although some of the new arrivals to the area complain about the ash from the burning. The way I see it, the sugar cane industry was in the area for many many years before the new arrivals, so they knew to expect it. It's a major industry for the area and supplies many people with a steady job during the season.

Personally, I enjoy the cane fires, just as I love to see the smoke billowing from the mill chimney. It's progress, it's production, and it a Tweed Valley icon. :))