Queensland Biofuels Industry Dead in the Water Without KAP as the Driver

Hinchinbrook MP and KAP Deputy Leader Nick Dametto.

16 October 2024

On day three of Queenslanders heading to the polls, Nick Dametto has backed the call from CANEGROWERS for the major political parties to commit to the future of the state’s biofuels industry, warning that without decisive government action, the industry is “dead in the water.”

Dametto, Katter’s Australian Party (KAP) Deputy Leader and Member for Hinchinbrook, expressed frustration at the ongoing lack of support from both the major parties.

“For years, we’ve had the opportunity to build a thriving biofuels sector that could reduce emissions and deliver massive economic benefits for the sugar industry and regional Queensland, but both Labor and the LNP have shown no interest in supporting the legislation or regulations needed to make this happen,” Mr. Dametto said.

“The KAP previously introduced legislation to create an ethanol mandate in Queensland which passed. Last term I followed this up with another Private Member’s Bill to even further strengthen those laws and ensure that the biofuels industry in Queensland had a future but both Labor and the LNP voted against it, prioritising the interests of the petroleum industry instead.

“In Hinchinbrook, sugar is our main commodity and as the state representative, I’ve gone to great lengths to try and ensure our biofuels industry has a future, but the major parties oppose that.

“While Queensland delays, other countries are moving ahead. Have a look at what’s been happening in the US for years. Ninety-eight per cent of all unleaded fuel sold in the US has at least 10 per cent ethanol and more than 64 other countries have also mandated ethanol.

“We’re talking about thousands of jobs in regional areas, a boost to our cane farming sector, as well as taking a step towards fuel independence. But without government support, the industry simply won’t have a future. KAP remains the only party actively fighting for Queensland’s biofuels industry.”

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