Wayde Chiesa Member For Hinchinbrook

In Hinchinbrook, fuel and fertiliser are not optional extras. They are essential inputs that keep our farms productive, freight moving, and local businesses operating. That is why security of supply matters so much in our region. But supply on its own is not enough. Fuel and fertiliser also need to be available at a reasonable cost, and right now that is clearly not the case for many producers and families across our part of the world.

Over the last fortnight, I raised this issue in Parliament because people in our region are feeling the effects first and hardest. In my recent speech, I made the point that in places like Hinchinbrook, fuel powers our harvesters, pumps, trucks, fishing boats, freight and family cars. When costs rise sharply or supply becomes uncertain, the impacts do not stay at the bowser. They flow through to cane, horticulture, grazing, fishing, freight, food prices and household budgets.

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What this situation has exposed is a much bigger problem for Australia. We remain too dependent on imported refined fuel, which leaves us exposed when global conflict disrupts markets and supply chains. That is why this debate must be about more than today’s fuel bill. It must also be about lifting Australia’s sovereign capability and building the resilience we need for the future.

That is why the Taroom Trough matters so much. The Crisafulli Government is unlocking the first oil field in 50 years at the Taroom Trough. This has the potential to become Australia’s first major new oil province since the 1970s, and early production is already flowing into domestic refining for diesel. This is important not just for Queensland, but for the nation. It speaks directly to our long-term fuel security, our economic resilience and our ability to produce more of what we need here in Australia, rather than relying so heavily on overseas supply.

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Queensland has been clear to the Federal Government that regional communities need both supply security and affordability. Hinchinbrook deserves fuel and fertiliser that are not only available, but delivered on time and at a price that does not undermine production and punish families.  

Next week I am back to Parliament in Brisbane, where I will continue to fight for what is important to our region.

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Caption: Premier David Crisafulli at the Taroom Trough. Photo credit: David Crisafulli's office

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