Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
As many of you have noticed, fuel prices have increased significantly in recent weeks, with diesel now approaching $3 per litre in our district. These rising costs affect our entire community, from families and local businesses to farmers, harvesting contractors, mill workers and transport operators.
While current global events continue to influence fuel prices, it highlights the importance of reducing Australia's reliance on imported fuel and increasing domestic production.
Queensland's sugar industry presents a significant opportunity in this space. It is well recognised that Australia has the capacity to produce substantial volumes of bioethanol from sugarcane, strengthening fuel security while creating regional jobs and investment.
Queensland's sugar-producing regions already have the feedstock, infrastructure, skilled workforce and manufacturing expertise needed to support a stronger domestic biofuels industry.
A Bill currently before the Queensland Parliament, the Liquid Fuel Supply (Ethanol and Other Biofuels Mandate) Amendment Bill 2026, seeks to strengthen Queensland's ethanol mandate and encourage greater use of locally produced fuel.
This is not a political statement. It is an issue of economic importance to communities like ours.
The sugar industry remains at the heart of the Hinchinbrook economy, supporting growers, harvesting contractors, mill workers, transport operators, local businesses and families across our region. We must continue to advocate for policies that support the long-term sustainability and growth of this important industry.
A stronger and properly enforced ethanol mandate has the potential to:
As debate on this legislation continues, I encourage residents to stay informed and engage with the discussion about the future of Queensland's sugar industry and Australia's fuel security.
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