THE Cloncurry mayor wants to see a biofuel industry developed in the shire.
Councillor Greg Campbell wanted to see renewable energies being used but his particular focus was on biofuels.
He said recycling old waste oils and petroleum and refining the biofuel made logistical sense for a town such as Cloncurry because of its industry and position.
The Barkly, Landsborough and Flinders Highways is linked through the town.
Cr Campbell said there was a large supply of fuel that already entered Cloncurry to benefit industry, such as in the transport, cattle and mining industries.
Considering the volume of fuel that comes into the area there would not a reason why it would not be resold locally."
- Mayor Greg Campbell
“Considering the volume of fuel that comes into the area there would not a reason why it would not be resold locally,” he said.
He saw the industry as a way to “move forward” the North West Region’s mining hub.
“It would be a great environmental positive for the mines,” Cr Campbell said.
“Any sort of forestry project carbon seaquestrian tool to be able to reduce the carbon footprint.”
The bulk of biofuels would likely benefit mining companies through road trains, generators, pumps.
But it could also be used for domestic private vehicles, he said.
His plans for the idea were in their infancy but it would not be an industry owned by the council itself.
Rather it would look for an industry partner which it would support to develop the industry.
“Where the funding comes from is still be worked out,” Cr Campbell said.
“I’m sure there’s still some support from the state government.
“There’s definitely private industry in sectors looking to expand.”
Cr Campbell said it would take the remainder of his four year term to get the industry developed.
The Queensland Resources Council has quite recently emphasised a link between the resources industry and renewable energies.
