Six parcels of state government-owned land have been earmarked to help restore Queensland’s fuel security in the wake of the Iran war.
Under a plan to drill, refine and store fuel locally, the Crisafulli government has asked for 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.
The new Accelerating Fuel Infrastructure Program, a joint-agency effort between the Office of the Co-Ordinator General and Economic Development Queensland, also includes a statewide audit of other government-owned industrial and port land that could be developed for new oil refineries or fuel storage facilities.
It is unknown how much fuel storage capacity each of the six sites contain, with applicants to inform the government how many litres could be contained as part of their proposal.
Construction on the sites is expected to begin as early as next year.
“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,” said Premier David Crisafulli.
“More storage and refining fuel locally means it’s easier for families to fill up and small businesses to stay afloat amid 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 the most accurate information available.”
Queensland has already begun promoting the potential of sites like Taroom Trough and its “sea of oil” as one of the solutions to bolstering fuel security in the state.
According to reports, however, the proposal to expand production at Taroom Trough hinges on federal approval under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (EPBC), which requires the Commonwealth to assess impacts on nationally significant environmental matters like threatened species, water resources and climate impacts.
“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,” Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Jarrod Bleijie.
“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. “