KAP members have finally won the hard fought battle for the establishment of a successful biofuel mandate in Queensland.
After years of advocacy for a strong ethanol industry in Queensland, this evening the Member for Mount Isa Rob Katter and Member for Dalrymple Shane Knuth have claimed success passing a 4% mandate with the support of both sides of parliament.
“Because of KAP people can look forward to cheaper fuel, cleaner air and more jobs,” Mr Katter said.
“Finally the Parliamentary system has worked for the people.”
“With a proposed Queensland ethanol mandate – ethanol can become the powerhouse for economic development in Queensland.”
“Currently the ethanol production industry in Australia delivers 3,000 direct jobs and a further 20,000 indirect jobs with the majority of these in rural and regional areas,” he said.
Now under the KAP amendment, the Liquid Fuel Supply (Ethanol and Other Biofuels Mandate) Amendment Bill mandate will now increase from 3% to 4% in the first 18 month on the 1st of July 2018.
“This move sets the base mandate in stone, instead of leaving it up to the discretion of government,” Mr Katter said.
“This target puts the state Ethanol plants close to full capacity making way for further investment.”
With the new target, member for Dalrymple Shane Knuth believes the state is ready to grow into the industry.
“As of tonight the Ethanol Mandate has the potential to create thousands of jobs, expand the agriculture industry and Queensland will own their own fuel,” Mr Knuth said.
“At the heart of ethanol production are generations of Australian wheat, sugar and grains farmers – more than 5,000 of them across the country.”
In 2014, NSW consumers saved $38.4m through the purchase of E10. This is staggering considering ethanol was 2.74% of the volume market share.
“Ethanol is not only a clean, renewable home-grown fuel, it can help Queenslanders save money at the pump,” Mr Knuth said.
“This is without a doubt a win for all.”