- Fuel Security State Controller appointed to work with new State Management Team
- State Controller will work closely with Federal Fuel Supply Coordinator to ensure WA's interests are represented in national response
- Measures support delivery of Premier's seven-point plan for WA's fuel security
- Ensures WA is prepared during a period of global uncertainty
The Cook Government has appointed a Fuel Security State Controller as part of new measures to strengthen Western Australia's capacity to respond to existing and potential fuel security challenges.
A State Management Team focused on fuel supply will be formed, made up of public sector leaders across key government agencies.
Wheatbelt Development Commission CEO Rob Cossart will initially serve as the State Controller. Mr Cossart has a strong background in incident management, having successfully overseen the response to the Kimberley floods.
Industry will continue to work with the Cook Government to deliver the Premier's seven-point fuel distribution plan through the WA Fuel Industry Operations Group, which was stood up following last week's Fuel Security Roundtable.
Western Australia currently sits at 'level one' of its Hazard Management Plan for energy disruption, which calls for close collaboration between industry and government.
The appointment of a Fuel Security State Controller and establishment of a State Management Team will facilitate coordination across both State Government agencies and with the Commonwealth Government, in the delivery of WA's fuel security response.
As stated by Premier Roger Cook:
"Reliable supplies of fuel are critical to the WA community and industries like mining, agriculture, freight, and construction.
"While the global challenges created by the conflict in the Middle East are not of our making, we are doing everything we can to manage the impacts on Western Australia.
"I thank the Prime Minister for convening the meeting of National Cabinet, which was an important step forward to drive national co-ordination between the Commonwealth and the states and territories on fuel security and fuel supply.
"Over the last week, my government has worked closely with fuel suppliers, retailers, and peak bodies to find pressure points, identify solutions, and ensure additional supplies released by the Commonwealth can get to where they are most needed.
"Our new Fuel Security State Controller and State Management Team will ensure our public sector is laser focused on addressing fuel security challenges and working closely with the Commonwealth Government in the interests of WA."
As stated by Energy and Decarbonisation Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:
"Our Fuel Industry Operations Group has made significant progress in the last week, delivering on the Premier's seven-point plan and establishing a triage process for prioritising key pressure points across regional areas.
"Establishing a Fuel Security State Controller and State Management Team will strengthen this response and ensure we are prepared for current and potential challenges."
