A public forum will be held in Brisbane tonight on the Palaszczuk Government’s plans for an ethanol mandate to create Queensland jobs and stimulate local industry.
Energy Minister Mark Bailey said the environmental and economic benefits of ethanol were recognised world-wide, including in the United States.
“We want Queensland’s primary producers and industry to be part of the sustainable energy solution,” he said.
“I have been across the state hearing the views of grain growers in the Darling Downs and sugar cane farmers in Queensland’s far north.
“It is important that local industries capture the market share to ensure that any ethanol sold in Queensland comes from Queensland.”
A joint Deloitte Access Economics/QUT study predicts bio-refining in all its forms could contribute more than $1.8 billion in gross state product to Queensland and create up to 6,640 jobs during the next 20 years.
“The Brisbane forum is the eighth public event on ethanol to be held,” Mr Bailey said.
“From Bundaberg to Mareeba, I have been encouraging industry groups and the community to have their say about our ethanol mandate plans.
“Together, we can all help shape the future of this exciting and growing industry.”
Regular unleaded will continue to be available at Queensland service stations under a Bill to be introduced into Parliament.
“Motorists will continue to have choice about whether or not they wish to use ethanol fuels,” Mr Bailey said.
“But for ethanol to succeed, we need the best consumer education about the benefits of E10.”
The Brisbane forum will start at 5.30pm Brisbane City Hall, Sister Cities Room on Level 1, 64 Adelaide St, Brisbane.
Extracted in full from My Sunshine Coast.
