Trucking industry welcomes domestic fuel security boost

The Australian Trucking Association (ATA) has today welcomed the Australian Government’s move to increase domestic fuel storage capacity.

“The ATA has long argued for increased fuel security, and we are pleased the government is taking the next steps to ensure this,” ATA CEO Ben Maguire said.

“Fuel security is crucial to trucking, our economy, and keeping Australian communities supplied,” he said.

The ATA has been a longstanding advocate for the need to increase domestic fuel stocks, keeping reserves in Australia instead of on US soil.

“Today’s announcement will see action to increase our onshore stocks, in particular diesel due to its critical importance to the trucking industry,” Mr Maguire said.

In today’s announcement, the Prime Minister and the Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction, Angus Taylor, said the $211 million package had three key elements:

  • $200 million for building new onshore diesel storage, with regional locations a priority area
  • A minimum stockholding obligation on industry for key transport fuels, including increasing diesel stocks by 40 per cent
  • A detailed design process with industry for a market-based mechanism for refinery support.

The package also includes modernising the online fuel reporting system to make it easier for industry to report stock levels to government and improve the timeliness of data.

“In recent months we have seen the vital importance of trucking to our economy and communities, and welcome this move to ensure the viability of Australian trucking,” Mr Maguire said.

“The trucking industry depends on fuel. Without it, our supermarkets would be empty, and deliveries would be brought to a standstill.

“The ATA’s network of member associations have played a large and important role in advocating for this great win for industry. They deserve enormous credit for their work on this issue over many years.

“We thank the Prime Minister, Minister Taylor and the Government for listening to our concerns and their willingness to collaborate with industry to ensure the best outcomes are achieved. Together with our members, we look forward to working with the Government on the design of the legislative package during the next six months,” he said.

The ATA and its member associations collectively represent the 50,000 businesses and 200,000 people in the Australian trucking industry. Together, the ATA and its members are committed to safety, professionalism and viability.

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