New biofuel opportunities for Queensland

| July 18, 2018

Queensland has officially joined the global below50 campaign to support the production and use of sustainable biofuels after signing a Statement of Collaboration with the United Nations-backed group.

Speaking at the BIO World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology in Philadelphia in the United States, Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick said signing the Statement with below50 Australia made Queensland the first jurisdiction in the world to have committed to pro sustainable fuel policies.

“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to sustainable fuels – an industry our Premier has strongly championed,” he said.

“At last year’s BIO World Congress in Montreal, below50 – a global initiative of the World Business Council of Sustainable Development (WBCSD) – came together with the Queensland Renewable Fuels Association to form below50 Australia.

“This year I’m proud that the Palaszczuk Government has chosen to officially collaborate with below50 Australia in a show of our ongoing support for the promotion and uptake of sustainable low-carbon fuels in Queensland.

“This government is firmly on board with below50’s push for the uptake of fuels that are at least 50 per cent less carbon intensive over their lifecycle when compared to conventional fossil fuels – the key criterion for biofuel producers, users and policy-makers within the below50 movement.

“This partnership reflects the Palaszczuk Government’s existing policy commitments and priorities on sustainable biofuels, as highlighted in our Queensland Biofutures 10-Year Roadmap and Action Plan, which outlines our vision for the development of a thriving industrial biotechnology and bioproducts sector, including the production of sustainable biofuels.

“The partnership also aligns with the Queensland Biofuel Mandate and the Queensland Climate Transition Strategy.

“I am delighted to be able to sign the Statement of Collaboration with below50 Australia on the world stage at the BIO World Congress, in a clear demonstration of Queensland’s leadership in growing an advanced bio-economy.”

Minister for Environment Leeanne Enoch said the Palaszczuk Government was leading the way towards a sustainable future.

“We are demonstrating our strong leadership and support for initiatives that help create the industries and jobs of the future and improve economic and environmental sustainability,” Ms Enoch said.

“It is important we take these steps now in moving towards a more sustainable future so we can support our future generations.”

Minister Dick said: “Formalising this deal will allow us to build relationships and draw on the support and expertise of the below50 global community, which includes investors, businesses, biofuel producers and users, and government agencies”.

“From this we will leverage opportunities for Queensland from below50 Australia collaborating with stakeholders in the renewable fuel supply chain and promoting the uptake of sustainable low-carbon fuels.”

Managing director of Queensland Renewable Fuels Association, the regional hub host for below50 Global, Larissa Rose, welcomed the government’s commitment to collaborate on common goals to promote, grow and expand the production and use of sustainable low-carbon biofuels in Queensland.

“This is another great step forward towards building a bioeconomy in Queensland and I look forward to providing opportunities through the below50 global network to assist with delivering outcomes for the State,” Ms Rose said.

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