- Cook Government working to get diesel, petrol and fertiliser to regional WA sooner
- Road trains to be permitted to carry heavier loads to priority regional areas from Monday
- Changes follow feedback from industry, fulfilling a key outcome of the Cook Government's Fuel Security Roundtable
Road trains will soon be permitted to carry heavier loads to regional Western Australia, delivering one of the Cook Government's Fuel Security Roundtable's key outcomes.
From tomorrow, 27.5m and 36.5m road trains will be permitted to transport up to an additional 10 tonnes per load if they are carrying petrol, diesel and/or fertiliser to certain priority regions.
The decision was made by the Cook Government's Fuel Industry Operations Group, formed in response to concerns raised about fuel security amid conflict in the Middle East.
Under the plan, road trains will be able to bring more petrol, diesel, and fertiliser to key regions such as the Goldfields, the South West, Great Southern and the Wheatbelt.
To help with distribution, industry will work with the government and fuel companies to triage priority areas for more stock.
Industry will provide the location of these depots to Main Roads who will adjust existing permits to allow for the new temporary conditions.
These new permit conditions will be rolled out progressively from Monday as required travel routes are identified.
Road safety will remain a priority as the new measures are implemented.
The adjustment to road train loads and introduction of a triaging process will support the Federal Government's decision earlier this week to relax minimum stock obligations for fuel companies that prioritise sending fuel to regional customers, ensuring regional Western Australians can more quickly access petrol and diesel.
As stated by Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
"In times of global uncertainty, it's more important than ever for government to work with industry and the community on practical solutions.
"This is a significant decision, which will enable the delivery of morepetrol, diesel, and fertiliser to regional Western Australians.
"Working with industry, we will prioritise key regional areas to support the community and keep our economy strong through any global shocks."
As stated by Energy and Decarbonisation Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:
"By helping bring critical fuel supplies to regional Western Australia, our government is already making considerable progress on its seven-point plan to address fuel security concerns.
"WA has shown before that it can confront global challenges, and through the Fuel Industry Operations Group, we will continue to keep our State safe and strong."
