HINCHINBROOK MP Nick Dametto is calling for an ethanol mandate of 10 per cent to be introduced in Queensland by 2025.
Mr Dametto said Katter’s Australian Party was able to achieve a mandate requiring four per cent of the total volume of regular unleaded petrol sales to be ethanol based during the last Queensland parliament.
This mandate will take effect on July 1, but Mr Dametto said he would like to see the ethanol mandate increased.
“With cane the predominate crop in Hinchinbrook, I know just how beneficial a 10 per cent ethanol mandate would be to farmers in my electorate,” Mr Dametto said.
“There is huge potential to grow that market and I urge the State Government to consider our party’s proposal.”
He has also joined the call for a dedicated motorsport precinct to be established near Townsville, after participating in the annual Springmount Raceway’s Northern Nats on the Tablelands last weekend.
Mr Dametto said he backed Drive It NQ’s $23.3 million proposal for a facility at Calcium west of Townsville, saying it made sense on a number of levels.
“This facility is something North Queensland has been crying out for,” he said.
“Not only will it offer an outlet for professional and recreational motorsport, but it will also be a place where young people can learn to drive within the confines of a controlled environment.
“If we want to improve driver safety and behaviour on our roads, I have no doubt a facility such as this is the answer.”
The facility, which already has a $5 million commitment from the Federal Government, still needs a further $18.3 million in funding.
In February 2016, Townsville City Council signed a long-term lease with Drive It NQ over a council-owned tract of land at Calcium where the facility will be based.
“The hard work, vision and determination shown by those involved with Springmount proves what you can do when a group of like-minded individuals combine their passion for advancing motorsport in the region,” Mr Dametto said.
“I take my hat off to them and have no doubt with the right amount of government funding, Drive It NQ can realise their dream of a world-class facility for North Queensland.”
