Queensland to open up land at six ports for fuel storage facilities
The Queensland government plans to open up government-owned land at six major ports for private companies to develop fuel storage facilities, with potential for new refineries. Premier David Crisafulli announced the Accelerating Fuel Infrastructure Program, inviting expressions of interest to boost the state's fuel security. The move aims to increase sovereign fuel capability amid concerns over Australia's limited refining capacity and reliance on global supply chains.
- ▪The Queensland government will make land available at ports in Brisbane, Townsville, Mackay, Gladstone, Bundaberg, and Abbot Point for fuel storage facilities.
- ▪Expressions of interest for the Accelerating Fuel Infrastructure Program opened on May 3, 2026, and will be submitted to the Coordinator General.
- ▪Australia currently has only two major oil refineries, one of which is located in Lytton at the Port of Brisbane and operated by Ampol.
- ▪Premier David Crisafulli emphasized increasing Queensland's sovereign fuel capability but did not confirm financial incentives for participating companies.
- ▪Malcolm Roberts of the Australian Institute of Petroleum noted that companies typically rely on government support to build fuel storage infrastructure because storage itself is not a revenue-generating activity.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News.