Jobs on the agenda at Townsville biofuels forum

Townsville is the third sugarcane-growing area in Queensland to host a public forum on the Palaszczuk Government’s plan for an ethanol mandate.

Minister Assisting the Premier on North Queensland Coralee O’Rourke said this was about creating jobs and making sugarcane growers part of the sustainable energy solution.

“I am proud to be part of a government that is keen to create jobs right here in North Queensland,” she said.

“We also are determined to support local industry by backing a clean energy source with recognised economic benefits.”

A Discussion Paper has outlined plans for a two per cent ethanol mandate to grow the biofuels and bio-manufacturing industries.

A Bill will be introduced to Parliament later this year, a first for Queensland.

A joint Deloitte Access Economics/QUT study predicts bio-refining 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.

“My team is working with everyone, including sugarcane growers, as the Palaszczuk Government focuses on growing this exciting industry,” Mrs O’Rourke said.

Upcoming public forums are being held at Ingham, Ayr, Mackay, Brisbane and Innisfail.

Media Contact: Minister O’Rourke’s office 3719 7184