Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington says she’s pleased an LNP Ethanol Mandate has been supported this week in Parliament.
Mrs Frecklington said the Opposition brought to a head plans to establish a renewable fuels industry in Queensland and the result of the parliamentary debate on Wednesday night puts to an end years of indecision and broken promises from Labor.
“It is an issue that has been widely debated for years, but under previous Labor governments had been put on the back burner,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“This decision is a practical way to help stimulate regional economic development. It is a win for jobs across Queensland and this will have a flow on effect here in our region.
“It is also a win for the environment and another example of the LNP getting the balance right.”
Ethanol can be used as a fuel for vehicles and is usually blended with petrol to reduce vehicle emissions.
“Creating an alternative and stable market for grain, cane and other feed-stocks will help diversify markets for our rural industries,” Deb said.
“It also stimulates employment growth in our regional communities - something this current Labor Government is struggling to achieve.
The LNP has acknowledged that there are intricacies and impacts that need to be fully considered before an expanded ethanol producing industry was given the go ahead.
“Now the Government has a direction from parliament to release a discussion paper by the end of the month and introduce legislation by the end of the year thanks to the LNP,” she said.
