Ethanol-blended petrol on sale in Tas for first time: LRP to be phased-out

Ethanol-blended petrol went on sale in Tasmanian service stations for the first time in late July, reported The Mercury (28/7/2007, p.5).

CSR plans sale of energy assets; or does it? Conglomerate faces asbestos liabilities as it expands its Queensland ethanol and electricity interests

CSR chief executive Jerry Maycock had given his strongest indication yet that he is amenable to a break-up of the conglomerate, acknowledging the longer-term sense in separating its “eclectic mix of assets”. Analysts also point out that energy is emerging as a common area for the company’s sugar and building products arms. The sugar business is developing into areas including ethanol and electricity generation while the building products arm is growing its energy-efficient products range, reported The Australian Financial Review, (11/9/2007, p.20).

Agflation: Grain prices to rattle beef, dairy, pork, eggs and chicken: “disaster unprecedented in Australian history” predicts Horticulture Coun­cil chief

It’s called agflation and it’s coming very soon, propelled by climate change and drought. Grain prices have hit record levels, and those prices will ram­ify through the feed chain —beef, dairy, pork, eggs and chicken — and reach consumers. Australian Horticulture Coun­cil chief executive Kris Newton says the severe cutback in irriga­tion water could result in price rises, as seen with bananas after Cyclone Larry, reported Asa Wahlquist in The Australian, (15/9/2007, p.33).