Australian Biofuel Users

Today, Australian Biofuel Users announce themselves to the public via this press release.

(Also available as a PDF file here.)

The New Year ushers in a new nation-wide organisation called “Australian Biofuel Users”. The group is comprised of individuals and organisations that are devoted users of biofuels and seeks to advance the integration and availability of biofuels into the everyday consumer world. Biofuels (biodiesel and ethanol) are recognised as being a viable alternative to fossil fuels. Biofuels demonstrate substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles, they are renewable and biodegradable, and they exhibit the potential to boost domestic economic growth. Biodiesel, when blended with standard petroleum diesel, enhances the lubricating characteristics of the fuel, and the blended product is actually better for the engine than the petroleum diesel alone. Ethanol has long been used as an octane-enhancing additive to petrol. However, many people look at unfavourable aspects of biofuels and the consumer focus on these issues has hindered the widespread acceptance of biofuels into the consumer market.

Virtually every state in Australia has a Biodiesel Users’ Group. The constituents of the state organisations are non-commercial producers and environmentally aware consumers. Late in 2006, following closely on the heels of NRMA’s formation of the Jamison Group (an initiative to develop a long-term plan for implementation and supply of fossil and bio-resources), the state biodiesel organisations agreed to support the establishment of a national biodiesel users’ group. After multiple long-distance discussions they agreed to the adoption of a constitution and formation of the “Australian Biofuels Users” (ABU). Robert Fyvie, Secretary of ABU, says, “Biofuels are not the sole answer to our energy and environmental problems, but they are part of the solution and the only viable substitute that is currently available to the transport sector. The ABU believes there is insufficient consideration given to increasing the use of these domestically produced and environmentally friendly energy sources. The users of biodiesel and other biofuels want improved consumer availability of these preferable energy sources.”

The stated purpose of ABU is to work with consumers, stakeholders, government, and industry in the promotion of increased commercial availability of biodiesel and ethanol in the Australian marketplace. Australian Biofuel Users are committed to enhancing public awareness of the benefits of biodiesel and ethanol, while simultaneously encouraging government and producers to supply consumers with high quality biofuels and biofuel blends.

Parties wishing to participate in ABU can register their interest through the ABU website at www.biofuel.org.au. Upon registering, instructions on how to join will be provided, as well as a list of member benefits. Registration is open to commercial, government, and consumer organisations, as well as individuals that share a common interest in furthering public awareness and widespread adoption of biodiesel and ethanol. 

In the words of ABU Chairperson Chris Moss, “Biofuels are the only viable alternative to the diminishing and environmentally damaging fossil fuels we currently use. It is inevitable that the energy sources of the future will include biofuels, and the ABU is supportive of the immediate introduction of high quality, sustainable biofuels to the Australian marketplace. Increased production and uptake of biofuels will benefit current and future generations dependant on liquid fuels.”