CANEGROWERS chief executive officer Dan Galligan has welcomed the Queensland Government’s decision to invest $25 million in biodiesel production at Ampol’s Lytton Refinery in Brisbane.
Galligan said the move can kick-start the state’s biofuel industry and is a major step forward in creating a stronger and more resilient economy.
“It’s an important step in establishing the kind of industry that, with the right investment and policy settings, can unlock significant opportunities for cane growers,” Galligan said.
The funding is to support the modification of Ampol’s existing diesel hydrotreater to co-process more orthodox diesel, helping to streamline approvals and develop renewable diesel at the refinery.
Once complete, the project is expected to enable the first sustainable domestic production of second-generation low carbon liquid fuels in the country.
Deputy premier and minster for state development Jarrod Bleijie said the investment is bound to create long-term jobs and economic growth and stability.
“The Crisafulli Government has identified the biofuels sector as a credible, viable, and important industry to invest in and secure our fuel future,” Bleijie said.
“Within a few short years, Queensland will be producing hundreds of millions of litres of liquid gold because the right investments were made, and the right partnerships were forged.
“We are driving investment, jobs, and building the state’s sovereign capability by taking a disciplined, evidence-based approach to open Queensland back up for business.”
According to Galligan, the development of a domestic biofuels industry is something local growers have been advocating for decades.
“With Queensland’s deep connection to the sugarcane industry, there is a clear opportunity to ensure growers are at the centre of this emerging sector,” Galligan said.
“This is about more than cleaner energy – it’s about building a stronger, more resilient economy, creating new markets for growers, adding value to every tonne of cane, and backing regional jobs and investment.
“This announcement is an early step towards greater fuel independence for Queenslanders, using the resources and expertise we already have here at home.
“Ensuring sugarcane is part of that future will be critical to delivering it at scale.”
