The Australian Airports Association (AAA) has welcomed the Federal Government’s announcement of new measures to strengthen Australia’s fuel security ahead of next week’s Budget.
The package includes extending the Minimum Stockholding Obligation for jet fuel to 50 days, providing a greater supply buffer for the aviation sector during periods of international disruption.
AAA CEO Simon Westaway said the conflict in the Middle East had reinforced the importance of improving Australia’s fuel resilience and sovereign capability.
“These measures are an important step towards strengthening fuel supplies and maintaining confidence in Australia’s aviation sector,” Westaway added.
“Increasing Australia’s minimum stockholding of jet fuel will help ensure future supply disruptions can be better managed, while supporting continued connectivity for communities, tourism and business.
The AAA also strongly supports the development of a domestic sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) industry, and this crisis has highlighted the broader economic and security benefits SAF could deliver for Australia.
“Building sovereign fuel capability through SAF is not only an emissions reduction opportunity, but also an important resilience and economic security measure for Australia,” he said.
“A domestic SAF industry has the potential to improve fuel resilience, create jobs and provide airlines with more sustainable fuel options.
“Airports are critical partners in this transition and will play an important role in enabling future SAF infrastructure and supply capabilities.”
The tourism sector has welcomed the Federal Government’s fuel security measures announced today, which will help restore confidence for travellers planning trips across the country.
Package a critical step: TTF
Tourism & Transport Forum (TTF) Australia CEO Margy Osmond said the package unveiled ahead of next week’s Budget to increase Australia’s diesel and jet fuel reserves would play an important role in supporting the visitor economy but noted the benefits would take time to flow through.
“These measures are a critical step towards boosting fuel supplies over the long term to help more Australians feel confident in booking a holiday and getting back on the road,” Osmond said.
“In the meantime, ensuring travellers have clear and reliable information about fuel availability is just as important for maintaining confidence.”
Osmond said uncertainty around fuel availability was already impacting travel decisions, particularly for regional and remote destinations.
“We’ve seen growing hesitation from travellers considering longer road trips, particularly into regional and remote areas, where confidence in fuel availability is essential,” she said.
“Anything that improves certainty, whether through supply or better information, will help encourage more people to take that road trip and support visitation to these communities.”
Osmond said TTF continued to advocate for a single, nationally consistent fuel information platform to support trip planning and improve confidence for motorists.
“A national fuel information platform, through an app and website, would give travellers a clear, reliable picture of fuel availability across the country and make it easier to plan trips, particularly into regional Australia,” she said.
Osmond also praised the Federal Government’s announcement for supporting aviation fuel resilience and national connectivity.
“Increasing jet fuel reserves is an important step in helping manage future supply disruptions and maintain reliable air services for tourism, businesses and regional communities,” she said.
She said recent global events had highlighted the importance of reliable fuel supply for both land and air travel.
“Consistent access to fuel underpins not just travel, but the broader supply chains that keep tourism operators running, from accommodation to attractions and transport services,” Osmond said.
She said TTF would continue to work closely with government and industry partners to support a strong, connected and resilient tourism sector.
