Miles Doing What Matters: Cheaper fuel for Queenslanders, pumped from state-owned assets

• Premier Steven Miles has announced if elected in October, a Miles Government will establish state-owned fuel stations
• Additionally, all petrol stations will be banned from raising the price of fuel more than once a day
• Fuel price increases will be capped to 5 cents a litre daily, as part of a trial
• If elected, a Miles Government will also use planning call-in powers and government owned land for independents and smaller retailers to increase competition

Premier Steven Miles has announced his plan to lower fuel prices, for all Queenslanders.

In his State of the State address today, Premier Miles said tackling cost-of-living pressures is his number one priority and a sticking point for Queensland households is the price of fuel.

The bold plan includes establishing 12 publicly owned fuel stations, to deliver greater competition.

The publicly-owned fuel stations will operate on a cost recovery basis. They will sell petrol and diesel alongside electric vehicle fast chargers.

The 12 initial sites will be determined by government, based on where competition is most needed across the state. The Miles Government will work with stakeholders, including independent retailers.

A re-elected Miles Labor Government will also take on the multinational oil companies by:

• Banning fuel stations from raising the price of fuel more than once a day
• Requiring petrol stations to release price changes a day in advance

• Working with RACQ to trial a daily limit on increases in petrol prices, to no more than 5 cents a litre
• Using planning call-in powers and access to publicly owned, Transport and Main Roads land to provide a more level playing field for independents and small retailers that are charging Queenslanders less for petrol

We’ll work with experts to identify where the big petrol players are using their market power to gouge motorists at the bowser and make sure Queenslanders have more options for where they get their fuel.

The commitment comes after the Miles Labor Government announced car rego would be reduced by 20 per cent, taking pressure off household budgets and funded by Queensland coal royalties.

Today’s $36 million promise will be funded by borrowings in the government owned corporations sector.

Quotes attributable to Premier Steven Miles:

“The household budget of Queensland families is the most important economic yardstick for me.

“The costs associated with owning and driving a car can add up. But most Queenslanders, especially in the regions, need a car to get around, drop the kids at school or to do their work. 

“It’s not a simple issue to fix. We don’t control global oil prices and we can’t force privately owned petrol retailers to charge less at the bowser, but a government I lead will do whatever we can to bring petrol prices down.

“Currently when you fuel up your car, you’re sending money offshore to big multinationals.

“Publicly owned fuel stations will charge a fair price for fuel, increase competition, and ensure Queenslanders have more choice when it comes to filling up.

“I am also committed to working with experts and industry to ensure fair competition in all Queensland communities and that fuel prices can’t be jacked up by any more than 5c a day.

“Queenslanders know I will always do what matters to them.  That’s why we’re providing $1000 energy rebates, delivering 50c public transport fares, cutting 20% from rego, making kindy free, and knocking down barriers for renters, first home buyers and home-owners.”

ENDS