Queensland Unveils Plan to Boost Fuel Security with New Storage and Refining Projects

The Queensland Government has unveiled a new initiative aimed at strengthening the state's fuel security by unlocking land near key ports for fuel storage and refining projects.

The move is designed to expand Australia's onshore fuel reserves and reduce reliance on vulnerable global supply chains. By increasing local storage capacity and refining capability, the government says Queensland will be better protected from international disruptions that can impact fuel availability and prices.

Central to the plan is the launch of the Accelerating Fuel Infrastructure Program, which will provide a coordinated framework for industry to propose new refining and storage developments. The program will also identify suitable government-owned land and streamline approvals to fast-track project delivery.

The initiative forms part of the Crisafulli Government's broader Queensland Fuel Security Plan, which aims to deliver immediate cost relief, secure fuel supply, and long-term certainty for households and businesses.

Expressions of interest have now opened for industry proposals to develop fuel infrastructure on state-owned land and port sites across Brisbane, Townsville, Mackay, Gladstone, Abbot Point and Bundaberg.

The program, led jointly by the Office of the Coordinator-General and Economic Development Queensland, includes a statewide audit of government-owned industrial and port land suitable for fuel infrastructure, rapid engagement with industry proponents, and simplified approval pathways to accelerate development.

Industry participants will also have the opportunity to nominate additional sites they consider suitable for future projects.

The broader Fuel Security Plan outlines a multi-stage approach to strengthening the state's fuel resilience. This includes fast-tracking access to oil reserves in the Taroom Trough, expanding local refining capacity, and increasing fuel storage to guard against shortages and price volatility.

Additional measures include removing state taxes tied to fuel price increases, maintaining 50-cent public transport fares, and advocating for improved national transparency around fuel supply through a proposed federal dashboard tracking incoming shipments.

Premier David Crisafulli said the plan was focused on rebuilding Queensland's ability to produce, refine and store fuel locally.

He said increasing local capacity would help shield families and small businesses from rising costs and global uncertainty, while ensuring the state was better prepared for future disruptions.

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development Jarrod Bleijie said unlocking land and accelerating approvals would help drive investment and job creation, while strengthening Queensland's fuel independence.

Queensland Coordinator-General Gerard Coggan said the program would provide a clear and efficient pathway for industry to progress major infrastructure proposals, with government agencies working closely with proponents to streamline assessments.

Australian Institute of Petroleum CEO Malcolm Roberts also welcomed the initiative, noting that increased storage capacity was critical to maintaining supply stability and market confidence during periods of global disruption.