The Cook Government has announced a $1.2 million investment to develop an Advanced Biofuels Strategy aimed at positioning Western Australia (WA) to seize emerging market opportunities and drive down emissions, according to the press statement.
This new strategy fulfills a commitment made during the 2025 election and will help the state leverage its competitive advantages to attract investment in renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel production.
WA is particularly well-placed to support the growing biofuels industry, with abundant supplies of feedstocks such as oat, wheat, and barley stubble, as well as canola and woody biomass from mallees and blue gums.
The Advanced Biofuels Strategy will be delivered by Churchill Capital Consulting Pty Ltd (operating as SIA), with a comprehensive economic analysis provided by GHD Pty Ltd. The analysis will focus on WA’s biomass feedstocks, supply chains, and technology pathways. Stakeholder consultations for both the strategy and economic analysis are expected to begin shortly.
Advanced biofuels are seen as crucial for the decarbonisation of key industries such as mining, agriculture, transport, and aviation, aligning with the Cook Government’s broader goals of economic diversification and regional development.
This initiative is part of the Cook Government’s ambitious “Made in WA” plan, designed to boost local manufacturing, reduce reliance on imports, promote homegrown energy production, create skilled jobs, and enhance economic diversification across the state.
Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis emphasized the importance of advanced biofuels in the state’s clean energy future:
“Advanced biofuels are essential in providing a sustainable alternative for industries across our vast state as we work to decarbonise,” Jarvis said. “Given WA’s abundant biomass resources, it’s only logical that we support the growth of this exciting industry with a detailed strategy.”
She added, “By utilizing existing resources and scaling local production, we can strengthen our domestic fuel security and stimulate growth in this emerging sector.”
Jarvis also noted that alongside federal government investments aimed at accelerating the use and supply of low-carbon fuels, the strategy will position WA as a leader in the biofuels sector, delivering economic, environmental, and community benefits, particularly in regional areas.
