THE Queensland Government has announced a fuel security program to drill, refine and store fuel locally, with plans to unlock additional fuel storage and refining at Queensland ports.
On Sunday the Government launched expressions of interest for the industry to bring forward fuel refining and/or storage proposals on Government owned sites and ports in Brisbane, Townsville, Mackay, Gladstone, Abbot Point, and Bundaberg – under a new Accelerating Fuel Infrastructure Program.
The program, a joint-agency effort between the Office of the Co-Ordinator General and Economic Development Queensland – includes:
- A statewide audit of Government-owned
industrial and port land that could be developed for new oil refineries or fuel storage facilities (already underway).
- Rapid market engagement for the industry to bring forward fuel refining and storage proposals for consideration on state owned land (opening today).
- Streamlined processes for approvals and delivery of fuel storage and refineries on these sites.
The industry will also be able to identify and propose sites that could be suitable for development.
The program will also provide a coordinated
The initiative forms part of the Crisafulli Government’s Queensland Fuel Security Plan, which is delivering immediate relief, secure supply and long-term certainty for Queenslanders.
Together with progressing oil production from the Taroom Trough, unlocking more refinery capability and boosting fuel storage, the Crisafulli Government said it is delivering short, medium and long-term measures to restore fuel security for Queensland.
The Queensland Fuel Security Plan includes:
- Unlocking oil reserves – helping reduce reliance on imports and stabilise prices by fast tracking approvals to extract fuel from Queensland’s Taroom Trough, a process the Crisafulli Government started before this crisis.
- Refining more fuel here in Queensland – more fuel processed locally, keeping fuel costs lower and more predictable.
- Boosting fuel storage capacity – protecting against shortages and sudden price spikes that hit families hardest.
- Removing state taxes on fuel price rises – delivering immediate savings every time Queenslanders fill up and permanently locking in 50 cent fares on public transport.
- Improving transparency – backing States and Territories in pushing Canberra to publish a dashboard with incoming fuel shipments to plan ahead for future pressures.
Premier David Crisafulli said the Queensland Government was delivering security as well as opportunity.
“We must restore our ability to drill, refine and store fuel right here in Queensland, so we are never again left at the mercy of global supply chains,” Mr Crisafulli said.
“More storage and refining fuel locally means it’s easier for families to fill up and small businesses to stay afloat amidst rising national cost pressures.
“We have a plan across the short, medium and long-term to get projects moving to produce oil, refine it and store fuel locally, as well as deliver relief and fight for Queenslanders receiving
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development Jarrod Bleijie said the co-ordinated, cross-
“Striking oil in the Taroom Trough is just one piece of the puzzle and being able to refine and store more fuel locally will further strengthen our sovereign capability,” Mr Bleijie said.
“We’re playing our part by unlocking the land these facilities will be built on, as well as providing the fastest pathway possible to getting them going – now we’re asking the Federal Government to play their part on the EPBC.”
Queensland’s Coordinator-General Gerard Coggan said this program was designed to fast‑track private investment by removing barriers and streamlining project delivery.
“This program provides industry with a clear entry point to government and a coordinated pathway to progress major fuel infrastructure proposals,” Mr Coggan said.
“We’re working closely with proponents to navigate assessment and approval processes efficiently.”
Australian Institute of Petroleum CEO Malcolm Roberts welcomed the new framework.
“Recent events have shown storage is a key part of ensuring there’s adequate fuel supply and confidence in the market when global supply chains are disrupted” Mr Roberts said.
“Opportunities to expand the nation’s fuel capacity, as well as capability, and allow a fast and efficient pathway to get it done is a welcome move. It provides that important confidence for the industry and motorists.
For more information or to register your interest, visit www.coordinatorgeneral.qld.
Source: Qld Government
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