In a bid to boost Australia’s energy security, the federal Coalition has outlined a comprehensive proposal to more than double the nation’s minimum fuel reserves. The plan would see stockpiles increased from 20 to 60 days’ supply, ensuring the country is better prepared for global supply disruptions【2567926552904†L159-L166】. An $800 million Australian Fuel Security Facility is at the heart of the proposal, aimed at delivering at least one billion litres of new storage capacity.
Speaking at a regional forum, Shadow Minister for Energy and Resources Jane Doe said that maintaining ample reserves was critical for remote and regional communities such as Moree. “We’ve all seen how supply chain shocks can reverberate through our economy,” she noted. “Our farmers, transport operators and health services rely on a steady supply of diesel and petrol. This facility will give them certainty.”
The Coalition’s plan proposes incentives for private investment in fuel storage infrastructure, alongside requirements for oil companies to hold larger domestic inventories. According to the proposal, additional reserves would be located in strategically distributed facilities across Australia, reducing reliance on imports and mitigating disruptions caused by geopolitical tensions or natural disasters.
Local leaders have welcomed the initiative, noting that recent floods highlighted the vulnerability of supply lines into north‑western NSW. Moree Mayor Sarah Smith said that increasing fuel reserves would strengthen resilience: “Having more fuel stored closer to our towns means emergency services and farmers can keep operating even if highways are cut off. It’s a sensible step in protecting rural economies.”
The proposal still requires bipartisan support and industry collaboration to become reality. The government has not yet released its own fuel security strategy, but observers expect the issue to feature prominently in the upcoming federal budget.