Govts 'must lead way' on alternative fuels.

"Govts 'must lead way' on alternative fuels
The NRMA is calling on the Federal Government to invest more money in the development of alternative fuels, amid growing concerns about global warning and high petrol costs.
Ahead of a conference on alternative fuels, to be held in Sydney today, the motorists' group says people would be willing to use alternatives if government incentives for LPG and ethanol were extended to other options.
NRMA president Alan Evans says Australia has become too dependent on importing fuel and a sustainable fuel industry must be developed.
'The Government has got to lead the way, and they've done that with LPG, but they've got to look at other options including pressed natural gas, and making sure it's available to motorists and also investing in the technology to make sure it's readily available,' he said.
'Once that happens, then the oil companies and other suppliers will move into the field to make sure they're meeting the public demand.'
Mr Evans says Australia is falling behind other countries in securing alternative fuel sources and needs to catch up quickly.
'The pressing imperative is on us to develop these alternative fuels and do so from today because each day we're importing more and more fuel,' he said.
'We're very much going to be held to ransom by any problems in the Middle East for example, and we need to make sure the Australian economy, which is so dependent on fossil fuel and land transport, is not going to be held to ransom if any problems occur.'
Mandate
New South Wales Rural Affairs Minister Tony Kelly has backed the NRMA's calls for increased Commonwealth support of the industry.
Mr Kelly wants the Federal Government to establish a national mandate for"