The NSW Nationals are calling on the Minns Labor Government to use its emergency powers to guarantee diesel and fuel supplies to regional NSW.
Member for Northern Tablelands and Shadow Minister for Agriculture Brendan Moylan has moved a motion in Parliament backing farmers and regional communities.
“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 Moylan said.
“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.
“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.
“When supply gets tight, fuel companies will send trucks where the returns are highest, Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong, not the Northern Tablelands.
“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.
“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.
Leader of the NSW Nationals Gurmesh 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,” Mr Singh said.
“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.”
Media Release: Member for Northern Tablelands and Shadow Minister for Agriculture Brendan Moylan
