Chair of the SAFF Grains Council, Peter Treloar, says, “Now is an ideal time to facilitate the public debate on renewable fuels with both the State and Federal Governments pushing the need to adapt to climate change, and particularly to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

“For South Australia, the use of renewable fuels such as ethanol would assist to ensure the State’s fuel security and also encourage regional development.

“The Premier of New South Wales told the 2008 national Ethanol Conference that ethanol would "play a big part" in NSW building a low-carbon economy.

“Last October, NSW became the first state to bring in an ethanol mandate - that 2pc of all petrol sold be ethanol.

"The Queensland Government is also supporting the development of an ethanol industry in that State.

"SAFF Grains Council agrees with the sentiments expressed by the Premier of NSW, ‘Biofuels are good for the environment.

"'They create jobs, they create regional jobs, they help farmers, they improve fuel security.’

“It's time for the South Australian Government and the new Commonwealth Government to push for an ethanol industry.

"It's time for goverments to spring into action and initiate real commitment to secure the future of regional South Australia and Australia for the generations of the future," Mr Treloar said.

SOURCE: , SA