Media Releases
The Australian Sugar Manufacturers welcome the use of domestic feedstocks in SAF production | 26 February 2025
26 February 2025
The Australian Sugar Manufacturers (ASM) welcome the Albanese Government’s $8 million investment into assessing the viability of establishing a biorefinery facility for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production, utilising feedstock from the Isis Central Sugar Mill near Childers. The announcement aligns with the ASMC’s recent call for Australian feedstocks to be front and centre of a low carbon liquid fuel future, as outlined in the Milling Council’s Federal pre-budget submission.
ASM Chief Executive Officer Ash Salardini said this project reflects the government’s recognition of the sugar industry’s untapped potential in the renewable fuel sector.
“Our industry has long advocated for policies that support the use of domestic, sustainable feedstocks for use in low carbon liquid fuel projects. With readily available biomass from sugar manufacturing, Australia is uniquely positioned to develop a domestic low carbon liquid fuel capability.”
Mr Salardini said.
The ASMC applauds the leadership of Isis Central Sugar Mill for progressing this innovative project that could open the way to provide a valuable diversification opportunity for the sugar industry.
“This announcement shows the production of Australian sugar can provide valuable feedstocks for the development of domestic low carbon liquid fuel capabilities.”
“What we have advocating for is the Government’s commitment to a national bioenergy feedstock strategy that can identify the opportunities for a truly domestic biofuels industry. Without it, we could simply end up with a basic refining capacity wholly reliant on overseas feedstocks like Brazilian bioethanol.” Mr Salardini said.
ASMC will continue working with government and industry to advocate for policies that ensure a sustainable and truly indigenous low carbon liquid fuel capability, including the promising work by GrainCorp on a feedstock strategy within the Jet Zero Council process.
Media Contact – ASMC: Dr Christopher Wren 0493 592 577
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About the Australian Sugar Milling Council: The Australian Sugar Milling Council is the peak industry body for the Australian sugar milling sector – contributing $4.4 billion annually to the Australian economy and supporting more than 20,000 jobs. The ASMC works with its members, industry stakeholders, other industry representatives and government to develop and promote policies that enhance the sustainability, viability and economic contribution of the sugar industry in Australia.