From paddocks to prosperity: Pongamia trial sparks new growth in North Queensland
From paddocks to prosperity: Pongamia trial sparks new growth in North Queensland
In the heart of North Queensland’s cattle country, a quiet transformation is underway.
- biofutures
- priority industries
On a sunbaked paddock in Powlathanga, a new kind of tree is being planted with big ambitions. Pongamia, a tough, drought-resistant native oilseed tree, is the star of Jet Zero’s latest trial — and it could be the key to unlocking a whole new industry opportunity for regional Queensland.
This isn’t just about fuel. It’s about transforming marginal land into multi-purpose assets. Pongamia offers oil for aviation, feed for livestock, biomass for energy, and even carbon credits. But the real story? Economic diversification.
By integrating Pongamia into cattle operations through silvopasture agroforestry — a land management approach that blends trees, pasture, and livestock — farmers can tap into new revenue streams without sacrificing their core business.
“This is about more than fuel,” says Project Officer Mara Emmerling. “It’s about creating new industries, new income streams for farmers, and new opportunities for regional jobs and investment.”
The trial is a glimpse into what’s possible when innovation meets agriculture. If successful, it could spark a homegrown bio-industrial sector that strengthens Queensland’s regional economy, attracts investment, and builds resilience into the land itself.
From paddocks to planes, Pongamia is planting the seeds of a more diverse, dynamic future for North Queensland.
Sustainable Aviation Fuel: Queensland’s ticket to a global growth industry
Let’s talk about altitude — not just in the skies, but in economic ambition.
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is soaring into the spotlight as airlines around the world race toward net-zero targets. And Queensland? We’re perfectly positioned to lead the charge.
SAF is almost chemically identical to traditional jet fuel, but with one major difference: it can slash carbon emissions by up to 80% without needing new aircraft or infrastructure. That’s a game-changer for global aviation — and a golden opportunity for Queensland’s regions.
With feedstocks like tallow, biomass, agricultural residues, and now Pongamia, Queensland has the raw ingredients to build a full-scale SAF supply chain. And the numbers speak volumes: global demand for SAF could underpin an industry worth up to $23 billion by 2030.
That’s not just good news for the environment — it’s a runway for regional jobs, investment, and innovation. From farmers to fuel producers, transport hubs to tech developers, SAF opens doors across the entire value chain.
The Pongamia trial in Powlathanga is just one piece of the puzzle. But it’s proof that Queensland’s outback isn’t just producing beef — it’s cultivating the future of aviation.
Find out more about sustainable aviation fuel.
Backed by Queensland: Investing in future industries
Queensland isn’t just watching this industry grow — we’re helping drive it forward.
The Queensland Government has identified biofuels, including Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), as a priority sector for economic development. Why? Because it’s a high-impact opportunity to build sovereign capability, create regional jobs, and position Queensland as a global leader in clean, scalable energy solutions.
To accelerate this growth, the Queensland Government has launched the $180.6 million Sovereign Industry Development Fund — a bold investment in industries like Defence, Biomedical, and Biofuels. This fund supports strategic, investment-ready projects that can deliver real economic benefits and regional impact.
Whether it’s infrastructure, manufacturing capability, or supply chain development, the message is clear: Queensland is open for business, and we’re backing the industries that will shape our future.
Last updated: 16 Oct 2025