By BRAD PERRY

AN opportunity to build an ethanol refinery in the Riverland must be embraced by the community, according to a local businessman.

Berri businessman Jim Rosenthal believes creating new economic opportunities is important for the region to grow and prosper.

“At the moment the area is suffering because horticulture is suffering and we need to broaden our base,” he said.

“We need this (an ethanol refinery) up and running as soon as possible and we need government support doing it.”

Ethanol can be produced from sources such as green and renewable waste (including household waste) and can include excess produce and cuttings from the Riverland.

With Holden set to release a car that runs on ethanol, Mr Rosenthal said it is an opportune time for the region to look into creating a new industry in the area.

Coskata, an overseas renewable energy company, founded revolutionary technology which uses microbial bugs to digest waste and excrete ethanol, which can be used as a green fuel alternative to petrol and Mr Rosenthal believes it could be used in the Riverland.

If a refinery was to be built in the Riverland, Mr Rosenthal said there is the potential to create up to 400 jobs and significantly cut greenhouse emissions and waste.

Backing moves by Family First MLC Robert Brokenshire, who is lobbying the State Treasurer Kevin Foley for funding to complete a feasibility study, Mr Rosenthal has been in discussions with the Riverland Futures Taskforce, Riverland Development Corporation, PIRSA and Member for Chaffey Karlene Maywald over the matter.

“Karlene was in favour, she said ‘yes it sounds logical but we need to find an investor,” Mr Rosenthal said.

“Robert Brokenshire realises it will be a huge benefit to the area.

“My only fear is that the State Government will see how good it is and will position the plant in the metropolitan area.”

Mr Rosenthal said the Riverland is ideally centrally placed to build an ethanol plant and believes it will be an efficient way to get rid of household and industrial waste.

He said biodiesel is also another successfully proven industry opportunity for the region, as shown in other parts of the world such as Brazil.

Irrigators who are looking to grow alternative options could also potentially grow crops suitable for input into a biodiesel plant with a great flow on effect, according to Mr Rosenthal.

With the planned closure of National Foods looming, Mr Brokenshire agreed that an ethanol plant is the perfect way to boost the Riverland

economy.

“There’s no need to be citycentric about such a facility, it’s a perfect way to diversify, complement and stimulate the Riverland economy with a new industry,” he said.

“South Australia could adopt this technology and be a world leader, taking excess grapes and cuttings from the Riverland and other crops at a fixed price to buffer against poor commodity prices.”

Mr Brokenshire was in the region yesterday to broach the issue with community leaders.