Senator Fiona Nash, Nationals Senator for NSW has today said she completely endorses the Page Research Centre’s recommendation for a national biofuels mandate.
A national biofuels mandate could reduce carbon dioxide emissions from transport by at least than 3 million tonnes a year, according to the National Party’s think tank, the Page Research Centre.
Such a mandate is essential if Australia is to reduce pollution from transport and the Federal Government must show leadership by supporting alternative fuels, said Senator Nash, who chairs the Page Research Centre’s Biofuels policy taskforce.
Senator Nash will launch a Biofuels policy discussion paper in Canberra on Monday May 10th. The launch will take place at the National Press Club and also include a discussion panel of experts in the biofuels industry andbroadcast on the A-PAC channel.
The Panel will include representatives from Caltex, the Biofuels Association of Australia, Yarrock Oils and Shane Beikoff racing driver and renewable fuels consultant.
“The Page Research Centre recommends a national ethanol mandate of 10 per cent and biodiesel mandate of 5 per cent by 2015,” Senator Nash said.
“Most new cars are built to use E10 and cars capable of using greater blends will be released shortly. There has been leadership from motoring associations, car manufacturers and the motor racing industry, with the V8 Supercars switching to E85.
“A domestic biofuels industry would provide an alternative source of income for farmers and if Australia was to produce 50 per cent of its transport fuel from biomass, it is expected that more than 200,000 jobs would be created in regional Australia.
The Page Research Centre will insist on a sustainability standard to ensure that biofuels are produced from non-food sources and without the destruction of natural habitats.
“The policy discussion paper is designed to focus attention on a renewed effort to fast-track the implementation of ethanol and biodiesel into mainstream use.
“The Federal Government has not shown leadership on the importance of alternative fuels which has allowed interest groups to dominate and dictate timelines for a full implementation,” Senator Nash concluded.
Copies of the discussion paper are available.
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