Help protect our cane industry

The Queensland Party Candidate for Cairns D.J.HUNT has called on the State government to take real steps to help save jobs in the far north sugar cane industry after the announcement the Babinda mill would be closed down.

Mr Hunt said "This closure is a real kick in the guts for communities struggling with the impact of cyclone Yasi and the downturn in the economy. It is not only the mill workers impacted by this decision. The towns of Babinda, Mirriwinni and other nearby towns will feel the impacts of this decision.”

Supporting the establishment of an ethanol industry is one step the government could take to protect jobs and the long term viability of the sector, according to Mr Hunt .

Mr Hunt said “There are a lot of other communities in far north Queensland that would be feeling nervous after hearing of the Babinda mill closure. If we want to keep those jobs and the communities that rely on them we need to help diversify those economies and establishing an ethanol industry is one step that can be taken to help achieve this.”

“If the government had the vision to see through the proposed ethanol blending it would help create the industry overnight. The Far North is perfectly placed given our cane industry in the area. It value adds to a product we already grow. It allows waste from sugar production to be used in a useful purpose maintaining the viability of cane production. We have the storage and transport capabilities. It provides a renewable source of fuel and decreases our reliance on overseas oil imports. It creates jobs. Exactly which part of this doesn’t the Labor government think is a good idea for Far North Queensland?” Mr Hunt said.

Mr Hunt stated “The solution is simple. Introduce the proposed blended levels of ethanol in Queensland fuel. Legislate that all fuel used by the state government entities to produce electricity using fuel powered generators in remote areas uses ethanol blended fuels. Finally, re-instate the fuel subsidy for fuel sold in Queensland blended with Australian made and produced ethanol from Australian growers.”

“It appears the only down side is that major overseas oil companies might stop making large donations to political parties.” Mr Hunt said