Media Release- Farmers prioritised in fuel plan

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Burdekin’s peak agricultural industry is being assured by Member for Burdekin Dale Last they have not been forgotten by the Crisafulli Government as concerns remain around fuel security during a critical time of the year.

From immediate relief to securing supply and long-term certainty, the Crisafulli Government’s release of its Queensland Fuel Security Plan outlined actions to make a real impact, especially with the approach of sugarcane crushing season.

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Mr Last said the Crisafulli Government’s five-point plan was about providing short, medium and long term surety so Queenslanders, its industries and small businesses are never again at the mercy of global supply chains.

“Our sugar industry is the backbone of our economy here in the Burdekin and without the fuel it needs to keep harvesters, haul outs and machinery going, we risk the sector being brought to a grinding halt,” Mr Last said.

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“We know when our agriculture sector is able to thrive, the benefits flow right through to the communities that surround them, which is why the Crisafulli Government is taking steps to make sure the fuel our farmers need is affordable and available when it’s time to fuel up.”

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“Striking oil at the Taroom Trough is just one piece of the puzzle with expressions of interest now open for the industry to bring forward fuel refining or storage proposals on Government owned sites and ports across Queensland including Abbot Point.”

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“We're not stopping there, the Crisafulli Government has also announced we are removing state taxes on fuel price rises, delivering the savings families and our farmers need right now.”

Mr Last said the Crisafulli Government’s active steps to drill, refine and store fuel in Queensland meant our farmers and the industries that support them could have the confidence to prosper for years to come.

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“We are living in uncertain times and recent events show just how susceptible we are to impacts of overseas conflicts. It is up to governments of all levels to show leadership and do what is needed to provide the certainty Queenslanders need, no matter whether you are fuelling a tractor or the family car,” Mr Last said.

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“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.”

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