Queensland’s bioeconomy in spotlight at German forum

Queensland’s leadership of Australia’s bioindustrial revolution, future expansion and business incentives will be thrust into the spotlight at a global summit in Germany today.

Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick will reinforce the state’s commitment to the biosector at the Global Bioeconomy Summit 2018 in Berlin.

During the conference, the Minister will be meeting with industry and government leaders to discuss investment opportunities between Queensland and Germany and explore potential project collaboration, including attracting German projects to Queensland.

Mr Dick said he planned to reinforce Queensland’s interest in the industrial biotechnology and bioproducts industry as well as the Palaszczuk Government’s focus on economic development, including through growing the state’s manufacturing sector.

“The Palaszczuk Government has a vision for a sustainable, export-oriented industrial biotechnology and bioproducts sector by 2026, and we are delivering a 10-year Roadmap and Action Plan to get us there,” he said.

“Taking part in this global summit offers the chance to engage directly with major players in the international bioindustrial sector and promote Queensland’s success and future plans.

“Our government is supporting the continuing growth of our state’s biofutures sector, including 15 current projects that represent a potential investment of around $1.4 billion and 2500 new jobs in rural and regional communities if these projects progress.

“It is critical we act now – at home and abroad – to take advantage of the significant opportunities to expand our bioeconomy.

“Queensland’s mix of natural resources, skilled workforces, world-class research and development and supporting supply chain industries make it a premium location for the biofutures industry.

“Queensland has a range of low-value feedstocks and wastes available to produce high-value bioproducts across the biofuels, biochemicals and bioplastics sectors and a technologically-advanced agricultural sector which will continue to develop with the creation of an enabling policy environment.

“Our government is rolling out valuable programs including the $130 million Jobs and Regional Growth Fund and the $65 million Advance Queensland Industry Attraction Fund to attract businesses to our state and create the jobs of the future.

“Professor Ian O’Hara from Queensland University of Technology as the inaugural Biofutures Industry Envoy has also been raising awareness of Queensland’s strategic competitive advantages for investment in this industry.”

Mr Dick said Queensland had achieved significant success since Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk launched the Biofutures Roadmap in 2016 with opportunities opening across the supply chain including bioethanol, aviation biofuels, renewable diesel, bioproducts, biochemicals and bioenergy.

“A number of international companies are progressing with the commercial development of bioproduct technologies in Queensland including Amyris and Gevo Inc.,” he said.

“This includes opportunities to develop new agricultural crops such as blue agave which is being trialled by MSF Sugar in North Queensland as an alternative feedstock for bioethanol.

“A partnership between Virgin Australia and US-based technology company Gevo Inc. was also announced late last year to supply alcohol-to-jet derived aviation biofuels through the Brisbane Airport fuel supply system.”

ENDS

Media contact: Anika Hume 0447 320 039