NSW Farmers advocated for the state’s agricultural sector during a NSW Government roundtable discussion on the ongoing fuel crisis.
Association president Xavier Martin said it was important to bring the rural experience in front of senior government ministers to reinforce the need for urgent action.
“The NSW Government has shown leadership on this issue, and we have strongly urged ministers to make sure that food supply and production is a central component of a broader crisis response,” Mr Martin said.
“The need for urgent action from state and federal governments is vital to ensure that agriculture has access to critical farm inputs including fuel and fertiliser.
“Despite the messaging that there is enough supply in the system, this is not the lived experience of many across rural and regional NSW who are facing daily decisions about how to use their remaining supplies.”
Mr Martin said there were growing reports of service stations and depots running out of fuel, limits on the amount of fuel that could be purchased at service stations, bulk fuel orders being cancelled because they could not be filled, bulk fuel distributors prioritising and rationing orders from particular customers and instances where the price to receive fuel increases between making an order and receiving delivery of it, even for existing orders made prior to the conflict.
“NSW Farmers position on this is absolutely clear, the state and federal governments must ensure there is a guaranteed supply of diesel for agriculture as a priority,” Mr Martin said.
“This conflict in Iran is more than two weeks old now and farmers around the state continue to be disappointed that the Australian Government is dragging its heels on action.
“Energy Minister Chris Bowen released five days’ worth of diesel out of the reserve late last week, which is nowhere near enough, but sadly it is a significant percentage of our onshore stocks.
“The fact that we went through a global pandemic and an escalation of the Russia-Ukraine conflict and did nothing to increase our stockpiles is, frankly, shocking.”
Leaders from transport and logistics, fuel, agriculture, local government, mining, unions and consumer protection groups joined the NSW Government in committing to work together to support the NSW community through the complex period.
Premier Chris Minns, along with senior Cabinet Ministers, attended the Roundtable chaired by the NSW Minister for Energy Penny Sharpe.
“While global fuel supply challenges are beyond our control, there are practical things we can do here in New South Wales to ensure fuel is being distributed where it’s needed most, particularly in regional communities,” Mr Minns said.
“This roundtable was about getting the right people in the room, sharing information and expertise and preparing for every contingency to support communities across New South Wales.
“I appreciate this is a stressful time for everyone, but communities need to look out for each other. It’s important that people don’t buy more fuel at the bowser than they need.”
Mr Martin warned without a reliable supply of diesel at a realistic price point, farmers of all commodities would need to make tough decisions about their operations, impacting Australia’s food and fibre supply.
“The impacts of this will be far reaching and long-term for farm business viability and rural communities,” Mr Martin said.
“Discussions like we had around the table in Sydney are important, but they need to be followed up with swift and decisive action.
“Regulatory intervention cannot be off the table, and state and federal governments must remember the central role farmers play in underpinning our food security.”
Background
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has established a Critical Response Taskforce. Landholders unable to access fuel required for essential farm operations, are asked to email details to CEMB@aff.gov.au and CC fuel@nswfarmers.org.au so NSW Farmers can follow it up as well.
Please include where possible:
- Your location
- The type of fuel affected
- The impact on your farm operations
- Any immediate or flow-on consequences
