Mandate commences to boost Qld biofuels industry

The Palaszczuk Government has delivered on its commitment to introduce the new Queensland biofuels mandate taking effect from today (1 January 2017).

Minister for Energy, Biofuel and Water Supply Mark Bailey said the biofuels mandate requires liable fuel sellers to sell a minimum amount of biobased petrol (3%), such as E10, and biobased diesel (0.5%), to boost the Queensland fuel industry and the jobs that come with it. 

“Following extensive industry consultation, the ethanol component of the mandate will only apply to fuel retailers who sell more than 500,000 litres of petrol at a site each calendar quarter or who own 10 or more sites,” Mr Bailey said.

“By doing this we are protecting the continued development of our biofuels industry while simultaneously protecting our small businesses - and the jobs that come with them.

“The threshold means that 93 per cent of all regular unleaded petrol sales in Queensland will continue to be captured by the mandate, but that smaller businesses, who don’t sell much petrol will not need to comply.”

Mr Bailey said the Queensland biofuels mandate will play a key role in Queensland’s move to a clean energy economy and it is important to protect our smaller fuel businesses.

“Our ethanol mandate is set at a level that seeks to ensure fuel retailers continue to offer a broad range of fuel grades.

“This gives motorists more access to cleaner sources of fuel, while maintaining choice at the bowser.”

Mr Bailey 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.

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

“The mandate has been helped by the Government’s biofuels education campaign, which encourages Queensland motorists to check their vehicles compatibility with E10.

“Launched last September with ambassador – V8 Supercar Champion – Mark “Frosty” Winterbottom , the E10 OK campaign encourages motorists to take a fresh look at E10’s high quality.

“Since the launch of the campaign more than 300,000 vehicle searches have been completed to check vehicle compatibility with E10 fuel.”

Minister Bailey said Queensland’s biofuels-industry will encourage innovation, diversify our economy, build on our strong agricultural sector and support knowledge-based jobs for the future - all in a sustainable way.

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

More information on Queensland’s biofuels mandate is available at https://www.dews.qld.gov.au/electricity/renewables/fuels/mandate

Media contact:

Zoe Russell – 0428 079 640