Premier talks biofuels with US Secretary of the Navy

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk today met with United States Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus to discuss a mutual push towards an increased production of alternative fuels.

It is understood it is the first time a Queensland Premier has formally hosted a US Secretary of the Navy.

Premier Palaszczuk outlined her plans to create a sustainable, commercially successful biofuels industry in Queensland which could compliment the US Navy’s move towards alternative fuels.

Under its Great Green Fleet initiative, the US Navy has committed to sourcing 50 per cent of fuel from renewable sources by the year 2020.

“It was an honour to host Secretary Mabus in Brisbane today,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“Our discussion centred around my plan to make Queensland the biofuels hub of the Asia Pacific, putting us in the box seat to supply the US Pacific fleet.

“We are well-served to work with the US Navy given our two countries’ longstanding partnership, as well Queensland’s geographic, research and resource advantages.

“I know that if we can foster this partnership, it can drive private sector investment in biofuels research and development, and lead to a new industry and new jobs, especially for regional Queensland.”

In August, Premier Palaszczuk and United States Deputy Under Secretary of the Navy Thomas Hicks signed a Statement of Cooperation, agreeing to explore the research, development, supply and sale of advanced “drop-in” alternative fuels.

“That agreement with the US Navy is the only one of its kind with a state government anywhere in the world.

“It is a huge vote of confidence in our developing biofuels industry and we have backed it up with financial support.

“We have dedicated almost $20 million in four funds to stimulate key areas of the state’s industrial biotechnology and bioproducts sector and launched a 10-Year Biofutures Roadmap and Action Plan to develop the industry.

“We have also been able to lure Southern Oil Refining from New South Wales and the $16 million pilot plant they are building near Gladstone has a key role to play in this emerging giant of an industry,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

A US Navy delegation will return to Brisbane for the Queensland Government and US Navy biofutures industry forum from 7-9 December. It is designed to connect businesses in the supply chain and will be followed by regional visits across Queensland to highlight the opportunities available to international investors and businesses.

Ray Mabus is the 75th United States Secretary of the Navy and the longest serving leader of the Navy and Marine Corps since World War I. He is a former Governor of Mississippi and United States Ambassador to Saudi Arabia and has made several cameo appearances in the hit TV series NCIS.

**Photos available on request - contact premiers.media@ministerial.qld.gov.au

ENDS