26/9/05
Agriculture Minister Kim Chance today announced the State Government’s first biodiesel-fuelled vehicle that will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and our reliance on fossil fuels.
Mr Chance launched the Department of Agriculture Western Australia’s trial vehicle at the Perth Royal Show today and said it would raise the profile of alternative renewable fuel use and serve as a pilot project to complement the State Government’s sustainability strategy.
“Nobody is claiming there is one simple answer to future energy needs but biodiesel has potential as part of a long-term strategy to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and reduce our greenhouse gas emissions,” he said.
“The State Government is committed to sustainable policies and monitoring the vehicle’s operation will give us some real pointers as to whether there will be long-term benefits from using biodiesel.
“There are some major environmental benefits from running a biodiesel vehicle, including lower greenhouse gas emissions, a reduction in sulphur released into the atmosphere and significant cuts in the amount of soot and carbon black emissions, which are often linked to respiratory tract illnesses.
“There are some exciting future possibilities for farmers both in growing crops to produce biodiesel and also in eventually using it on farms to make a significant contribution to the health of the environment.
“These are early days but it makes sense for the sector and the State Government to be at the leading edge of research into renewable energy.
“The Gallop Government is protecting and enhancing WA’s unique environment.”
The department will operate a Mitsubishi Pajero 3.2 litre direct injection four-cylinder turbocharged 4WD diesel station wagon on 100 per cent biodiesel.
This is the first Government fleet vehicle in WA to be run on biodiesel and it is equipped with an auxiliary 50-litre fuel tank to provide a total capacity of 140 litres.
The vehicle will be based at the department’s South Perth site and will operate throughout the south of the State, covering an average of 45,000km per annum.
Biodiesel for the vehicle will initially be supplied by Australian Renewable Fuels Limited and stored at the department’s South Perth site. However, the department has initiated a program to produce its own bio-oil for processing into biodiesel.
The department produced 15,000 litres of mustard oil in 2005, which will be converted into biodiesel for use on the department’s research stations and in the demonstration vehicle.
Minister's offfice: 9213 6700
