The Australian Workers' Union strongly endorses today's MOU between IFM Investors, Ampol, and Graincorp to explore the establishment of low carbon fuel production in Australia, and is calling for swift action from government to back industry in.
This announcement comes as the government weighs up how to support the industry's development in an ongoing consultation. The AWU is calling for significant investment to realise Australia's world-leading potential in green fuels.
AWU National Secretary Paul Farrow said today's announcement is a first step in securing more than 500 jobs at Ampol's Lytton refinery, while shoring up Australia's fuel security and potentially creating thousands more jobs in the future.
"Today's MOU between IFM, Ampol and Graincorp is an important first step to creating a world-leading renewable fuel industry," Mr Farrow said.
"Our current dependence on imported fuel is just a disaster waiting to happen. We can't afford to keep relying on fragile supply chains at the whim of regional conflicts.
"We have the resources, facilities and workers needed to make green fuel at a lower cost than the rest of the world.
"Now it's time for the Federal Government to open up the kitty and make fuel part of the Future Made in Australia. Government support can help ensure the success of this project and others like it."
Queensland Branch Secretary Stacey Schinnerl said the investment positioned Ampol's site in Lytton for the future. "Industry development in Queensland is critical to the future of the Australian economy."
