"This is a V-8 powered plan to foster an industry that could generate thousands of jobs - especially in regions - soften the impact of global oil price rises on Australian motorists, reduce Australia's reliance on imported fuels, and help the environment through production and use of a renewable energy source," said Queensland Premier Peter Beattie upon launching the 34 point action plan.

The blue print is in response to the Federal Government’s refusal to mandate the use of ethanol in its recently released national energy policy, angering the Queensland Government which feels the action could jeopardise the states sugar cane industry.

"To match our actions and help the industry graduate from training wheels, the Federal Government must mandate the availability of ethanol, and indefinitely extend the fuel excise exemption.

"The blueprint has short, medium and long-term aims, including a commitment to appoint a high-profile person to headline a campaign to shatter the myths about ethanol and boost public confidence in ethanol as a fuel.

"We will enlist government cars and trucks in the pro-ethanol campaign, with all 12,900 QFleet vehicles sporting pro-ethanol stickers.

"Government vehicles will need to fill up on E10 where possible, and any oil company that wins the right to supply our fleet will need to provide locally-produced ethanol.

"Queensland produces 12 million litres of ethanol a year, from a national total of about 154 million litres - only a small proportion of which is used in fuel.

"If every driver used E10 in Queensland the demand would be for almost 400 million litres," Beattie said.

Other government actions in the blueprint include hosting an international ethanol conference in early 2005 and exploring export opportunities for Queensland's ethanol industry.

Beattie said: "The blueprint recognises the need to immediately begin developing the Queensland ethanol industry.

"World-wide demand for ethanol is growing, with recent reports showing China and the European Union are deep in discussions about buying Brazilian ethanol.

"An export trade in Queensland ethanol would be underpinned by a strong domestic market - but we need the Federal Government's mandate and indefinite extension of the excise exemption to give the fledgling industry the certainty it needs to expand".