A new definition for renewable?

The Gillard Government’s opposition to using timber by-products as a source of energy is irrational and prejudiced, Coalition forestry spokesman Senator Richard Colbeck said.
“The Labor-Greens alliance claim to care for the environment and to support renewable energy sources but their actions show an irrational prejudice when it comes to forestry,” Senator Colbeck said.
“Treasurer Wayne Swan is on record as saying that he didn’t believe use of forest biomass fitted with “what most people would accept” as renewable energy. It is time this narrow minded interpretation of “renewable” was challenged.
“Last time I checked renewable energy resources included an energy resource that is rapidly replaced by natural process and what could be more natural that trees?
“Other countries, like Sweden and Finland, are already working towards using wood as a renewable energy source and actually developing forest resources solely for this purpose, and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the European Biomass Industry have jointly released a plan to generate 15 per cent of energy in the OECD countries by 2020.
“Australia is ignoring opportunities to generate up to 3000 gigawatt hours of energy that is renewable, sustainable and cost-effective. We wouldn’t need to touch another tree, twig or leaf, we could achieve this just by utilising the by products from high value timber production,” Senator Colbeck said.
Victoria’s Heyfield mill is a perfect example of an operation where timber production by-products could be put to better use.
“The Heyfield mill produces high value hardwood and in the process also produces enough sawdust to run an 8MW powerstation. Why is the Labor-Green alliance blocking the sensible and sustainable use of this resource?” Senator Colbeck said.
The Nationals Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said the Heyfield mill has 200 direct employees and he has arranged for Senator Colbeck to visit the mill next week to discuss the impacts of the Labor-Greens carbon tax and the mill’s future plans.
“The mill is a vital employer in the Gippsland region and operates in strict compliance with environmental and safety standards,” Mr Chester said.
“It is ludicrous that the mill cannot use a waste product, such as sawdust, and receive support to convert it into a clean fuel source.”
Mr Chester said he would discuss the implications of the Gillard Government’s proposed carbon tax legislation with management at the Heyfield mill next week and take their concerns directly to the Prime Minister.