Securing Fuel Supply Critical for Great Southern Agriculture and Regional Communities

MR RICK WILSON MP

FEDERAL MEMBER FOR O’CONNOR

24th April 2026

Securing Fuel Supply Critical for Great Southern Agriculture and Regional Communities

Federal Member for O’Connor Rick Wilson MP and the Hon Darren Chester MP, Deputy Leader of The Nationals and Shadow Minister and Agriculture have today called for urgent action to secure fuel storage capacity in the Great Southern, warning that the region’s agricultural productivity and supply chains depend on reliable access to diesel.

Speaking with local media, Mr Wilson said the future of the Ampol fuel storage facility at the Port of Albany remained uncertain, with the current lease set to expire on 30 June following a short-term extension.

“The Great Southern is one of Western Australia’s most important agricultural regions, and fuel security is absolutely critical to keeping it moving,” Mr Wilson said.

“If these tanks are decommissioned, we are looking at a replacement cost in the order of $100 million. That’s a significant loss of strategic infrastructure that we simply cannot afford.”

Mr Chester said regional fuel security was not just a local issue, but one of national importance.

“Agriculture is a cornerstone of the Australian economy, and regions like the Great Southern are integral to both the West Australian and national economies,” Mr Chester said.

“From paddock to port, every part of the supply chain depends on reliable, affordable fuel. Without it, productivity suffers and costs rise right across the economy.”

Mr Wilson said the State Government should act to retain and utilise the existing facility, particularly given increasing concern around Australia’s fuel security.

“This is an existing, strategic asset in a key regional port. It makes sense to use it,” he said.

The issue has also been raised in State Parliament by Local Member for Albany Scott Leary, who has called on the WA Government to ensure the facility remains operational.

Mr Wilson said Albany was well-positioned to complement existing fuel reserves secured by the Cook Labor Government in Esperance, Kwinana and Wyndham.

“Albany is a regional hub. It services smaller surrounding communities and plays a critical role in supporting agriculture, freight and local industry,” both Mr Wilson and Mr Leary noted.

“Expanding storage capacity here would strengthen our overall fuel resilience and provide an additional buffer in times of disruption” according to Mr Wilson.

Mr Wilson and Mr Chester said recent pressures had reinforced just how dependent regional communities are on diesel.

“Farmers, contractors and even grocery deliveries rely on diesel every single day,” he said.

“This situation has highlighted the need to think ahead and make sure we are not leaving regional communities exposed.”

Mr Chester said the Coalition would continue to advocate for practical measures to strengthen fuel security across regional Australia.

“This is about protecting jobs, supporting farmers and ensuring regional communities can continue to thrive,” he said.

ENDS

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