Caltex’s magazine for employees, franchisees & resellers
Issue 50 Dec – Jan 10
Time to get serious about biofuels
Time to get serious about biofuels
Caltex has proposed that federal and state governments, together with industry and other stakeholders, should implement an integrated strategy.
Transparency and trust
Of the 45 major hazards facilities in Victoria, Newport is one of the very few to have no WorkSafe conditions attached to its licence to operate.
Mackay upgrade expanding for the future
The new 27 million litre diesel tank at the Caltex terminal in Mackay will significantly improve the company’s ability to service the booming mining industry centred round the Bowen Basin.
QA with Gary Smith new GM Refining
Gary brings substantial oil industry experience plus a reputation for creative thinking to the job – a potent mix as Caltex resets its direction.
Keeping a watch on employee health
A long-term survey aimed at employees working with petroleum products has helped pay a major role in influencing industry safety standards.
No close shaves in Lytton refinery turnaround
The recent turnaround and inspection of Lytton’s hydrogen units was completed under budget and was injury-free.
Sparky a new star is born
Caltex Star Marts have a fresh new face as part of a brand refresh – the first in 14 years.
Rollout of new stores gains pace
The rollout of Caltex’s 21CC Star Mart convenience stores is gaining pace across Australia with the first in WA now open and two more in Queensland.
epumps arrival heralds shorter queues
A new pay at the pump system has been introduced across the Caltex Woolworth’s network.
Direct Sales deliver in every way
Business is booming for the industrial division of Direct Sales which has won several multi-million dollar contracts to supply diesel for power generation in the top half.
New accreditation programs for driver and fuel tankers
Caltex has been appointed to operate a joint venture safety program called the Safe Load Program which manages the driver accredited training and Pass-2-Load programs previously run the Australian Institute of Petroleum.
Also in this issue
- Caltex powers Team Vodafone into 2010
- Expert assistance provided in oil spill cleanup
- Alex Strang name lives on
- Caltex veterans go for gold
From the Managing Director
Ethanol and biodiesel have been a highly visible – albeit small – part of the fuels mix in Australia for some years now. Clearly there is significant growth potential in these renewable, lower-carbon fuels, and they are here to stay.
In a carbon-constrained world, oil prices will inevitably climb just as surely as oil supplies will inevitably diminish.
This means that the role for biofuels in meeting energy needs is likely to grow in importance. New technologies to produce biofuels from“lignocellulosic” sources such as algae, discussed in this issue of The Star, are especially exciting.
This is good news for Caltex, which actively seeks new business opportunities. We are already Australia’s leading supplier of biofuels blends to retail and commercial customers, and see potential commercial upside in them in future.
However, what the still-fledgling industry needs is a clear, coherent policy framework in which to operate and prosper. At present there is none. Without appropriate government policies in place the biofuels industry may struggle to reach its potential.
That’s why we are proposing that Australian governments, in conjunction with industry and other interested parties, adopt a proactive policy framework that encourages the orderly, continued development of biofuels.
Our proposed framework is practical and achievable. The enclosed TalkingPoint contains a snapshot summary and more information is available in The Star.
Julian Segal