Federal Member for Hinkler David Battt MP is calling on residents of Hinkler to report fuel shortages using a new website, www.nofuelhere.com.au as communities across regional Australia feel the sting of the nation’s fuel crisis.
“We’ve heard today in Question Time, from the Energy Minister, that there are 600 service stations across Australia, including 90 in Queensland, that are out of unleaded or diesel fuel, and that number is rising daily,” Mr Batt said.
“Retirees are changing their driving habits. Farmers can’t get diesel. Families are rationing their tanks,” Mr Batt said.
“Regional Australians don’t have the luxury of jumping on a bus or working from home. Fuel is how we get to work, how we get our kids to school, how our businesses and farms keep running. When the pumps are empty, our communities grind to a halt.
“I’m asking every local resident who has experienced a fuel shortage — or knows someone who has — to report it at www.nofuelhere.com.au. Every report strengthens our case to the Albanese Government that regional Australia needs its fair share of fuel security.”
The website, launched by the Coalition, allows Australians to quickly log fuel shortages at their local service station. Reports provide MPs and Senators with hard evidence.
Australia, which imports around 90 per cent of its refined fuel, has been particularly exposed by the war in Iran. Australia is the only International Energy Agency member country that does not hold the mandatory 90-day fuel reserve.
Mr Batt said the government’s response had been inadequate for regional communities.
“The Albanese Government says there’s no shortage just a distribution problem. That is cold comfort if your only local servo is out of unleaded or diesel. Hinkler can’t wait for Canberra to catch up.”