Latrobe City Council Mayor, Councillor Sharon Gibson, is urging the Victorian Government and Federal Government to put the prospect of producing oil from brown coal back on the political agenda as one possible solution to the nation's current fuel crisis.
"There is strong community backing for new energy opportunities in the region, and we have the natural resources and existing skilled workforce for this kind of innovation," the Mayor said.
"Latrobe City, with its long-standing expertise in energy production, existing infrastructure for carbon capture and ample brown coal reserves, stands ready to mobilise key stakeholders to get the conversation started."
The call comes as Australians continue to face high fuel prices at the bowser and political leaders grapple with finding a long-term solution to the nation's fuel security problem.
With the right support, the Latrobe City region could help Australia achieve energy independence and fuel self-sufficiency which would bolster the nation's sovereign capabilities.
The concept of converting brown coal into oil is not new, having been explored by big business in Latrobe Valley several decades ago before ultimately being abandoned as it was uneconomic at the time and lacked government support.
"With current fuel shortages and price increases impacting on families, farmers and industries, it's time to revisit this opportunity with fresh eyes," the Mayor said.
The Mayor said the immediate focus for all levels of government must be on practical, scalable solutions.
"Producing oil from brown coal presents a real opportunity to address the nation's fuel crisis while at the same time boosting our regional economy which will come under even further strain with the impending closure of the power stations in a few years' time," she said.
"With no clear end to the fuel crisis in sight, both state and federal governments need to open their minds to exploring innovative approaches."
"Exploring the opportunity of producing oil from brown coal doesn't mean abandoning sustainability goals. Rather, it would be a commitment by all levels of governments to exploring innovative and diverse solutions to help shore up our nation's fuel security for the long-term future."
