BAA chief says industry needs seed funding, federal support

In welcoming the Federal government’s investment in the car industry and the extra A$1.3 billion (US$879 million) for the Green Car Innovation Fund, Biofuels Association of Australia (BAA) Chairman Neil Rae said seed funding is needed to build an alternative fuel industry, as well as support from the federal government. Several companies are pushing ahead with refining plants for ethanol and biodiesel, but he says more work on infrastructure is needed. Rae believes that with industry support, Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions can be slashed and its dependency on imported oil reduced. Among the BAA’s priorities are infrastructure support to compete effectively against conventional fuels, direct and indirect tax benefits and convincing consumers that biofuels are viable and sustainable. (November 28, 2008)