Landmark biofuels step brings industry leaders together in Canberra

Earlier this week, the government launched consultation on a national demand mechanism for low-carbon liquid fuels, including ethanol and biodiesel. 

“This is a big deal for growers, and CANEGROWERS is right at the heart of it,” CANEGROWERS CEO Dan Galligan said. 

“We’re helping lead the conversation and working alongside the milling sector and government to make sure improving grower profitability is central to what comes next.”  

“The Federal Government deserves credit for the consultation. It is the most significant development in national biofuels policy in decades. 

“Having grower representatives and millers here alongside biofuel producers, researchers, regional leaders and national security experts shows how seriously this opportunity is being taken.” 

CANEGROWERS is backing calls for a nationally consistent, enforceable and progressively increasing blending requirement on fuel wholesalers for Australian-made ethanol and biodiesel. 

It is also supporting calls to develop sovereign capability in sustainable aviation fuel, renewable diesel and the manufacture of critical chemicals and materials from sugarcane. 

“We already have feedstocks, production capacity and expertise we can use today,” Mr Galligan said. 

“We should build on that now while developing the next generation of fuels and bioproducts. 

“For growers, the measure of success is straightforward – new markets for cane, more value from every tonne and more profitable farming businesses. 

“Biofuels policy cannot stop at the factory gate. The benefits must reach the farm gate.” 

Mr Galligan said the consultation had created real momentum. 

“The industry is ready to work with government. Now we need to get on with it.” 

The Federation Mall gathering follows a week of meetings in Canberra, where Mr Galligan and CANEGROWERS Chairman Owen Menkens have put the grower case directly to federal ministers and senior officials. 

Pictured: CANEGROWERS Chairman Owen Menkens, Mackay Sugar CEO Carl Morton, MSF Sugar Head of Cane Supply Mark Magnanini, MSF Sugar CEO Panita Vongkusolkit, CANEGROWERS CEO Dan Galligan, and Tully Sugar CEO Darcy Li.