Queensland announces fuel security plan

UNLOCKING land near ports is a key tenet of Queensland’s fuel security plan announced on the weekend.

The Queensland government says space near ports will be made available for both fuel storage and refining, seeking to reduce the state’s susceptibility to global supply chains.

A new Accelerating Fuel Infrastructure Program is to provide a framework for industry to propose new fuel refining and storage opportunities, unlock suitable land, and streamline government approvals.

In a statement, the government said it was restoring Queensland’s fuel security under a plan to drill, refine and store fuel locally.

The government has 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 the Accelerating Fuel Infrastructure Program.

The program, a joint-agency effort between the Office of the Co-Ordinator General and Economic Development Queensland, includes: 
•    An 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 is to provide a coordinated whole-of-government framework to streamline and fast-track assessment and approvals.  

Premier David Crisafulli said the government was restoring the state’s ability to “drill, refine and store fuel right here in Queensland, so we are never again left at the mercy of global supply chains”.

“More storage and refining fuel locally means it is easier for families to fill up and small businesses to stay afloat amidst rising national cost pressures,” Mr Crisafulli said.

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development Jarrod Bleijie said the initiative would ensure swift action to address the fuel crisis.

“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.

Queensland’s Coordinator-General Gerard Coggan said this program was designed to fast‑track private investment.

“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.”