NSW Opposition Leader Peter Debnam today welcomed the announcement from Shell Australia of an Eastern Seaboard rollout of 10 percent ethanol-blended fuel.

"I congratulate Shell Australia on its rollout of E10 fuel in NSW next year," said Mr Debnam, whose car runs on 85% ethanol-blended fuel.

"I also congratulate the oil companies for their positive response my industry roundtables and for rolling out their ethanol promotion," he said.

"As I indicated to the oil companies at our roundtable meetings, if they don't promote ethanol to meet the agreed targets, then I will mandate E10 to ensure we meet our targets.  

"It's now up to Morris Iemma to follow Shell and the other oil companies' lead and encourage NSW to embrace ethanol, because it will result in lower fuel prices, reduce cancer-causing pollution, and provide a more secure income for our farmers.

"It's even more important to improve air quality after a Government Health official revealed in September toxic smog contributes to the deaths of 1,400 people a year.  

"As the AMA has noted, commuters braving the M5 East Tunnel every day would be better off because of the lower emissions from ethanol-blended fuel.

The NSW Liberal/Nationals ethanol action plan includes:

• Expansion of ethanol usage according to the following timetable:
• 2007 – 2%
• 2008 – 4%
• 2009 – 6%
• 2010 – 8%
• 2011 – 10%

• Upgrading of production and distribution infrastructure;
• The sale of E10 at up to 500 service stations across NSW;
• A strong marketing plan in co-operation with the NRMA and environmental groups;
• A leadership role on other alternative fuels.

"Greater use of ethanol-blended fuel would provide a more secure income for our farmers, decrease our reliance on imported petroleum products, result in lower fuel prices for motorists, create jobs in regional NSW, and reduce cancer-causing pollution," Mr Debnam said.