Altona and Geelong oil refineries at risk of closure – could cost 1050 jobs
Reports show Daniel Andrews’ extreme Stage 4 lockdown could force the Altona oil refinery to close. Labor’s lockdown restricts movement, diminishing demand for transport fuels.
Exxon Mobil, who owns the refinery, stated unequivocally:
“The Victorian government’s extended freedom of movement restrictions and subsequent prolonged reduction in fuel demand has placed unprecedented pressure on Altona refinery”
“The global pandemic has led to an oversupply in the Asia-Pacific region, and together with the stage four restrictions, has caused Altona refinery to operate at a loss.”
This loss of this facility would mean the loss of 350 Victorian jobs.
The Altona plant is responsible for almost half of Victoria’s petrol production. Its closure would put at risk the security of Victoria’s domestic fuel supply.
These concerns come after the Geelong oil refinery, employing 700 people and refining the other half of Victoria’s domestic petrol supply, announced earlier this week it also risks imminent closure.
Daniel Andrews must immediately either loosen his draconian Stage 4 lockdown or consult with Victorian oil refineries to create a plan that protects them until COVID-19 passes.
Labor’s failure to act is risking 1050 Victorian jobs and Victoria’s energy security.
As stated by Shadow Minister for Resources, Ryan Smith:
“Daniel Andrews must act immediately to either allow these industries to get back to work with the appropriate COVID-19 safeguards or protect Victoria’s oil refineries.
“The Premier’s failure to come up with a plan for the Geelong and Altona oil refineries is putting over 1,000 jobs at stake in our state, and threatening our energy security.”
