FAMILIES are being told help is on the way at the bowser, with a new State Government plan promising to steady fuel prices and shield households from global shocks.
But the Opposition says the plan won’t deliver the immediate relief desperately required.
From school drop-offs and daily commutes to running small businesses and keeping freight moving, families, tradies and local operators rely on fuel security every single day.
When fuel supply is unstable, it ripples through every part of life – from the cost of getting to work, to the price of groceries on the supermarket shelf.
The Government says it is delivering a long-term Queensland Fuel Security Plan to strengthen local supply, reduce reliance on overseas markets, and ensure Queensland is not left vulnerable or beholden to external global pressures that drive price spikes.
Member for Redlands Rebecca Young said the plan was about protecting local households from ongoing cost-of-living pressure driven by fuel volatility.
“In the Redlands, fuel underpins almost everything we do,” Mrs Young said.
“When fuel supply is uncertain or prices spike, it flows through to families at the bowser and into the cost of everyday essentials at the supermarket.”
She said the Queensland Fuel Security Plan focuses on producing, refining and storing more fuel locally to improve long-term resilience and stability.
Measures include unlocking local oil reserves, refining more fuel in Queensland, expanding storage capacity, removing State taxes tied to price spikes, and improving transparency around supply and incoming shipments.
Mrs Young said the plan would also support long-term investment through the new Accelerating Fuel Infrastructure Program.
“It means more stability, more certainty, and less pressure on Redlands families and businesses.”
She said the Accelerating Fuel Infrastructure Program would fast-track industry proposals for fuel refining and storage projects on Government-owned land and ports across Queensland.
But Member for Springwood Mick de Brenni said the plan failed to address the immediate cost pressures being felt by motorists and producers
“Motorists and farmers need help at the bowser right now,” Mr de Brenni said.
“And they need that financial support to be substantial. The fact is the LNP announcements aren’t helping a single motorist at the bowser, nor a farmer fuel a tractor anytime soon.”
“What would make a difference to motorists and producers right now is for the Crisafulli LNP Government to immediately use its multi-billion-dollar Iran War royalty windfall, and restore vehicle rego discounts, small business energy rebates, and support Labor’s Transport Affordability Bill.”
