QUESTION TIME : Fuel Crisis with Wayde Chiesa, Member for Hinchinbrook

QUESTION TIME : Fuel Crisis

With Wayde Chiesa, Member for Hinchinbrook

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Q: The fuel crisis is impacting the whole world, but what do you see as the key pressure points here in our community? What are you actively doing to advocate for change or improved assistance through your networks?


A:
The biggest pressure points I’m hearing about are for farmers, tradies, freight operators and families who simply do not have other options. In a region like ours, when fuel goes up, everything goes up — from harvesting and freight to groceries, services and getting kids to school.

For our sugar industry, additional diesel costs during harvest are a major concern. I have raised this in Parliament because it is critical that there is a national plan to not only secure diesel supply for our region, but that it is available at a reasonable cost.

I’m working closely with industry groups, local businesses, State colleagues and Federal counterparts to make sure local impacts are understood. I’m also pushing for practical measures like a national fuel dashboard, with real-time supply information, and for stronger long-term fuel security for Australia.

Q: People are feeling the pinch not only at the fuel pump, but also at the checkout. There is growing concern about the cost of living and the future stability of regional economies. What would you like to say to reassure our readers, while also speaking plainly about the influencing factors and what they should be aware of?


A:
There is no sugar-coating it — people are doing it tough, and the uncertainty is weighing heavily on families, businesses and communities. Cost of living pressures are real, and in regional areas like ours they hit harder because of freight, distance and fewer alternatives.

What I want people to know is this: our region is resilient. We have faced challenges before and we have always come through them by backing each other and supporting local.

There are broader pressures at play — global fuel prices, supply chain issues and economic uncertainty — but that does not mean regional communities should be left to carry the burden alone. I will keep advocating for policies and support that recognise the realities of living in the regions. Please keep sharing what you are seeing on the ground, because that local feedback matters.

Q: What other common concerns are you currently hearing in your community? What solutions or reassurances would you like to share with our readers?


A:
 Alongside cost of living, the issues I hear about most are roads, youth crime and workforce shortages. These are not abstract concerns — they affect how safe people feel, how easily they can move around the region, and whether local businesses can grow.

On youth crime, people want continued action and greater community safety. We have seen 391 new recruits for our region in 18 months and good results from Operation Forge in only one month of its inception.

Flood resiliance on our farms and roads. Areas like Bruce Highway at Gairloch and Seymour, the community expects practical upgrades and honest communication. I will keep working to ensure local feedback is taken directly to the Minister and department.

And on workforce, the long-term answer is making our region an easier place to live and work — with the right housing, services, training and support to not only attract but retain people here.

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