Cutting edge biofuel plantation to transform regional industry

• New joint venture between Nippon Steel Trading and Energreen Australia bolsters trade relationship with Japan.
• Initial crop of 16,000 pongamia trees set to be planted near Emerald.
• Project strengthens Queensland-Japan ties and positions the State as a leader in biofuel feedstock production.
• The Crisafulli Government is driving jobs and innovation in the regions and delivering a plan for Queensland’s future after a decade of decline under Labor.  

The Crisafulli Government is delivering jobs and innovation in regional Queensland through a leading biofuel initiative delivered in partnership with a major Japanese trading partner. 

The joint venture - Green Biotechnology Solutions - has been established between Japan’s Nippon Steel Trading and Queensland’s Energreen and will create a large-scale pongamia tree plantation near Emerald. 

The deal was secured after trade talks during a recent delegation to Japan involving the Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training, Ros Bates and the Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett.  

It’s just one of the ways the Crisafulli Government is delivering a plan for Queensland’s future, backing the regions, restoring confidence and rebuilding the State’s reputation on the international stage.  

After a decade of decline under Labor, where confidence dropped and opportunities were missed, this new joint venture is a clear indication international partners are again choosing to invest in Queensland. 

Planting of tens of thousands of pongamia trees began earlier this month, creating a commercial nursery and giving local landholders the ability to grow pongamia on their own properties under supply agreements with the joint venture.  

Pongamia is a hardy, non-edible crop whose seeds are rich in oil suitable for biofuel production. 

The trees can grow on marginal land not suited to traditional crops, giving farmers an extra income stream from disused land without sacrificing space for food production.  

As demand grows for lower-emission fuels around the world, Queensland is making sure its primary industries stay ahead. 

Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training Ros Bates helped plant the first of an initial batch of 16,000 pongamia trees and said the Crisafulli Government was delivering real results for Queenslanders.  

“We are securing global investment which creates regional jobs and builds a stronger Queensland economy,” Minister Bates said. 

“Queensland is open for business and our international partners once again have confidence in our economic direction.” 

Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett said the project created new opportunities for regional producers.