- At least 4 million litres of diesel to be stockpiled in WA to ease acute shortages
- Fuel to be owned by the State and stored in Wyndham
- Decision part of the Cook Labor Government's nation-leading fuel security response
The Cook Labor Government has struck a deal with local independent fuel supplier Cambridge Gulf to purchase and store 4 million litres of diesel in the Kimberley.
The agreement will see additional volumes of diesel coming to Australian shores, with Cambridge Gulf placing extra orders from overseas suppliers.
The fuel is expected to arrive in the coming weeks and will be stored free-of-charge by Cambridge Gulf but 100 per cent owned by the State - meaning the fuel can be directed to where it is most needed.
Having an additional quantity of diesel under Western Australia's direct control is important for remote Aboriginal communities and key industries such as agriculture which rely heavily on uncontracted fuel volumes.
The option for future fuel purchases is now being considered, with capacity for up to 12 million litres to be stored at the facility.
The announcement represents a major step toward WA holding its own strategic stockpile of liquid fuel, allowing the State Government to respond swiftly to acute shortages and shore up fuel security.
This approach complements the Federal Government's Minimum Stockholding Obligation, which requires fuel companies to hold reserves.
The decision builds on the Cook Labor Government's targeted work to secure fuel supply for all Western Australians, including:
- introducing emergency powers compelling suppliers to provide detailed supply chain information;
- expanding FuelWatch to include every operator in the State;
- increasing access for triple road trains and allowing heavier loads for perishable goods; and
- standing up the Fuel Industry Operations Group and State Fuel Controller to increase engagement with industry.
As stated by Premier Roger Cook:
"Having access to this fuel now, with the ability to store more in the future, is a crucial step towards shoring up our State's fuel security for the future.
"It's diesel that will be 100 per cent State owned and reserved for those who need it most such as remote communities and the agriculture sector, allowing us to act quickly when we need to.
"I will always do what is right for WA, and fuel security is vital to keeping our economy strong, so my government can continue to deliver great jobs, health and housing for the people of Western Australia."
As stated by Energy and Decarbonisation Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:
"We have made real progress in the last month to address supply issues across regional areas, but we need to be prepared for the months ahead.
"This strategic stockpile will give WA a source of fuel under its direct control - providing much needed flexibility as we continue to navigate this global issue.
"While fuel is important to many Western Australians, this is particularly true for remote communities and regional industries who rely on diesel for their operations.
"Those areas will directly benefit from this decision."
