Queensland Premier Rejects Strategic Fuel Stockpile Amid Supply Crisis
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli has resisted opposition calls to establish a state-level strategic fuel stockpile, despite mounting pressure from the war in Iran and a fire at the Geelong refinery threatening national supplies. Labor Opposition Leader Steven Miles urged the government to amend planning laws to expand fuel depot storage capacity, arguing it would ensure security for Queenslanders. However, Crisafulli maintained that a nationally coordinated approach is superior, emphasizing the state's long-term goal to restore local drilling and refining capabilities rather than creating immediate reserves. This stance contrasts with actions in Western Australia, where Premier Roger Cook secured four million litres of diesel for the Kimberley region, and New South Wales, which is considering similar measures. The crisis has left Ampol’s Lytton plant in Brisbane as Australia’s only fully functional major refinery, operating at maximum capacity. With Queensland’s trucking industry consuming approximately 11 million litres of diesel daily, concerns over supply continuity remain high. The Commonwealth may potentially use extraordinary legislative powers to commandeer fuel supplies if the national situation deteriorates further, highlighting the severity of the current energy security challenges facing Australia.
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Queensland Premier Rejects Strategic Fuel Stockpile Amid Supply Crisis
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli has resisted opposition calls to establish a state-level strategic fuel stockpile, despite mounting pressure from the war in Iran and a fire at the Geelong refinery threatening national supplies. Labor Opposition Leader Steven Miles urged the government to amend planning laws to expand fuel depot storage capacity, arguing it would ensure security for Queenslanders. However, Crisafulli maintained that a nationally coordinated approach is superior, emphasizing the state's long-term goal to restore local drilling and refining capabilities rather than creating immediate reserves. This stance contrasts with actions in Western Australia, where Premier Roger Cook secured four million litres of diesel for the Kimberley region, and New South Wales, which is considering similar measures. The crisis has left Ampol’s Lytton plant in Brisbane as Australia’s only fully functional major refinery, operating at maximum capacity. With Queensland’s trucking industry consuming approximately 11 million litres of diesel daily, concerns over supply continuity remain high. The Commonwealth may potentially use extraordinary legislative powers to commandeer fuel supplies if the national situation deteriorates further, highlighting the severity of the current energy security challenges facing Australia.
theaustralian