PROPOSAL TO BEGA GREENS

PROPOSAL TO BEGA GREENS
FOR COMMUNITY BIO DIESEL PLANT
FOR THE BEGA & EUROBODALLA SHIRES

From an Address to the NSW Assembly by Ian Cohen MLC:
National spending to import petroleum sends significant amounts of
money out of our domestic economy each year, considering we import 100% of our diesel fuel. Bio diesel from either waste oil or domestic crops offers the potential to shift this spending from foreign imports to domestically produced energy. The Greens would like to see bio diesel promoted as a safe, cost effective petroleum alternative.
Governments in other countries have identified the multiple benefits of Bio diesel and are reaping the benefits.
I encourage government commitment and investment to this end in NSW.

A community Bio Diesel plant set up in the northern part of the Bega township would be welcomed by anyone paying $1.50 per litre for diesel.

As we are aware, escalating energy costs are a major concern to the Bega and Eurobodalla electorates.

The rural sectors throughout Australia suffer because of continuing high petrol costs. Communities need to take alternative measures for the long term economic structure of their transport and fuel industry.

In the state’s largest urban area, Sydney, petrol is 20-30 cents less per litre than what is paid by motorists living elsewhere

The Bega and Eurobodalla electorates and Eden Monaro Shire are under resourced for effective public transport to adequately service so large an area. Therefore, the population depends on private use of cars and trucks for business, school, household maintenance and social activities.
It is normal for some people to drive 100 k plus each day.

Economists suggest oil prices will remain over $50 a barrel for a long term period. And while it will takes time for ethanol and LPG conversions to be phased in for unleaded vehicles, it is very simple to convert vegetable oils into safe, clean, cheap fuel for any diesel vehicle without having to modify the vehicle in any way.




Herewith are several points worth considering in favour of a proposed community bio diesel plant.

The saving of between 30 and 50 cents a litre for all vehicles requiring diesel.
Employment.
Bio Diesel burns cleanly. Low emissions.
No damage to engine of vehicle through use of bio diesel.
Local businesses, freight and trucking companies save on transport costs that would otherwise be passed on to the consumer.
Being non-profit there would not be government exise on the diesel production.

These are the following issues that need to be addressed if the proposal is worth proceeding with:

1. Revenue for the initial startup costs for production.
2. Location for plant.
3. A regular supply of oils to satisfy demand for Bio fuels .
(Both Reeves and De Wetnals, the major freighting companies for Bega Cheese, have given support in principal for the project subject to warranty issues in regards to their fleet of vehicles.
Reeves estimates an 800,000 litre consumption of diesel per year.
De Wetnals needs about 750, 000 litres of diesel for their trucks.
4. BVSC becomes a supporter of the project either through facilitating development through local business interest or assisting in a managerial capacity.

The other alternative is to run the plant as a commercial local business interest in direct competition with the oil companies.

29 Sept 2006

(article contributed by a CEFE public supporter)