E10OK to drive regional economy

Queensland’s regional economies are set to benefit from the Palaszczuk Government’s biofuels mandate, with its E10OK campaign continuing to garner the attention of Queensland motorists.

Speaking from Airlie Beach for the Palaszczuk Government's Whitsundays Community Cabinet, Minister for Energy and Biofuels Mark Bailey said Queensland’s E10OK campaign, which educates motorists on the benefits of using biofuels will help lay foundations for a new biofuels industry.

“We only have to look at the vast amount of cane fields across regional Queensland to realise the State is sitting on an abundance of sugar cane, an important feedstock for advanced biofuels,” Mr Bailey said.

“The biofuels campaign focuses on the benefits of Queenslanders transitioning to this cleaner-burning fuel.

“It encourages motorists to take a fresh look at E10’s high quality, more modern car technology and highlights that E10 use helps to advance Queensland’s economy.

“Since the launch of the campaign just over three weeks ago more than 180,000 vehicle searches have been made to check vehicle compatibility with E10 fuel.”

The top towns and cities for E10 compatibility checks include:

*Brisbane - 141,778

*Gold Coast - 11,952

*Sunshine Coast - 4,024

*Toowoomba - 2,575

*Cairns - 2,240

*Townsville - 2,158

*Mackay - 547

*Hervey Bay - 382

Member for Mirani Jim Pearce said by supporting the use of biofuels we have an opportunity to drive jobs growth in regional Queensland and add value to the State’s abundant agricultural resources such as sugar cane.

“The Palaszczuk Government’s biofuels mandate is another way we’re transitioning Queensland to a clean energy economy,” Mr Pearce said.

“By attracting investment to the State’s biofuels and bio-manufacturing industry, we’re creating jobs for regional Queenslanders.”

Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert is encouraging Queensland motorists to make E10 their preferred vehicle fuel.

“By doing so you will use a cleaner burning fuel, and you will support a new wave of industry, bringing jobs for regional Queensland,” Ms Gilbert said.

From January 2017, liable fuel sellers from across the State will be required to sell a minimum amount of ethanol-blended petrol and bio-based diesel, which will give motorists more access to cleaner sources of fuel, while maintaining choice at the bowser.

Minister Bailey said Queensland’s biofuels-industry is high tech and will encourage innovation, diversify our economy, protect agriculture and support knowledge-based jobs for the future - all in a sustainable way.

“Already Queensland has two operating ethanol plants – the Dalby Bio-Ethanol refinery and the Sarina Distillery, with a combined annual production capacity of approximately 140 megalitres of ethanol,” Mr Bailey said.

“Queensland also has a biodiesel refinery at Narangba that produces up to 30 megalitres per year.”

To check your vehicle’s biofuel compatibility or for more information visit https://e10ok.initiatives.qld.gov.au/

ENDS

Media contact:

Minister Bailey’s office – 0428 079 640

Jim Pearce’s office – 4956 1555

Julieanne Gilbert’s office – 4957 8422