Mackay plant gets nod from Queensland

The Queensland government has given in-principle agreement to a A$50 million (US$45.2 million) biodiesel plant for Mackay, on the state’s central coast. Queensland Transport Minister John Mickel said the plant would be Australia’s largest biodiesel plant, capable of producing 180 million liters a year. “Once approved, the biodiesel project will initially be made from imported renewable resources such as soybean, sunflower and canola,” said Queensland Minister for Primary Industries Tim Mulherin. “Eventually, crops will be sourced throughout the region creating new opportunities and revenue streams for farmers, particularly cane growers.” (October 2, 2007)