The NSW Nationals are calling on the Minns Labor Government to use its emergency powers to guarantee diesel and fuel supplies to regional NSW.
Our communities grow the food, move the freight, and keep this state running, and when the fuel in regional NSW runs out, the entire state will suffer the consequences.
NSW Nationals Leader and Member for Coffs Harbour, Gurmesh Singh, said when supply gets tight, fuel companies will send trucks where the returns are highest, Sydney, Newcastle, and Wollongong, not to the Coffs Coast.
“Without a clear direction to prioritise the regions, the communities that produce our food, energy and freight will be the first to run dry,” Mr Singh said.
“The Premier’s recent energy supply emergency declaration gives the government the power to direct where fuel goes, but without a clear regional guarantee, regional NSW will be left behind.
“The Minns Labor Government has taken emergency powers. Good. Now use them to protect the people who need fuel the most.
“We support the use of emergency powers, but they’re meaningless if they’re not used.
“The regions don’t need another roundtable. We need fuel in the tank, and we need it now.”
Shadow Minister for Agriculture Brendan Moylan has moved a motion in Parliament backing farmers and regional communities.
“Right now, farmers relying on bulk diesel deliveries are being told there’s nothing coming. These aren’t people who can catch a bus to work, they’re running pickers and tractors,” Mr Moylan said.
“If the diesel doesn’t arrive, crops don’t get planted. That’s not just a regional problem; it’s a food supply problem for every family in NSW.
“The Premier already has the power to direct fuel companies where supply goes. We’re not asking for something new, just that he uses the powers he’s got.”
