A local MP is urging Coast residents to report to fuel shortages in their area, in real time, on a national website database.
The website was recently launched by the LNP. It produces aggregated reports, which provide MPs and senators with hard evidence of where shortages are occurring.
Federal Member for Fisher Andrew Wallace said: “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.”
Australia, which imports around 90 per cent of its refined fuel, has been particularly exposed by the war in Iran.
“Regional Australians don’t always have the luxury of jumping on public transport or working from home,” Mr Wallace said.
“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.”
Mr Wallace added: “I’ve spoken with local operators from the Mooloolaba wharf who had zero diesel available. Around 50 Sunshine Coast businesses have been unable to go to sea, meaning they can’t fish, they can’t catch our protein, they can’t export it and are now facing the prospect of laying off staff.”
According to Mr Wallace, the government’s response had been inadequate for regional communities.
“The Albanese Government says there’s no shortage just, a distribution problem,” he said.
“That is cold comfort if you’re on the Sunshine Coast and the local servo is out of unleaded or diesel. Regional Australia can’t wait for Canberra to catch up.”
