Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said this morning that Australia would soon get a council to focus on developing Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
Speaking at the Sustainable Aviation Fuels Breakfast, King said that the council would enable Australia to play a part in reducing carbon emissions and drive innovation in SAF development.
"We know that industry is looking to sustainable aviation fuels to play a role in emissions reductions and we know the potential for sustainable aviation fuels is significant," King said.
"We also know that governments across the world are working closely with industry to drive new innovations in sustainable fuels and sustainable aviation.
"The reality is – particularly in Australia – we love to fly, but we also need to fly. I am sure most of you here, like me, spend more hours in the air than you care to count. If we are to play our part, we need to make flying sustainable.
"That is why–in addition to the aviation white paper and the departmental climate change unit–we intend to establish a group along the lines of the Jet Zero Council seen in the UK or the Council for Sustainable Aviation Fuels in Canada.
"A step like this will be another example of our government’s commitment to advancing net-zero across the economy, as well as leading concrete action to cut emissions here and abroad. By driving international competition and collaboration, we will drive innovation and progress across the world.
"As a nation more dependent on aviation than almost any other, we have a unique opportunity and responsibility to drive change."
King said that the ALP government was determined to work with industry to develop sustainable aviation and grow jobs and innovation in Australia.
In April this year, the Queensland government annouced a $500 million renewable diesel and SAF plant to be built in Gladstone. Once completed, the plant is expected to produce 350 million litres of SAF and renewable diesel per year from feedstock such as tallow, canola and used cooking oil.