Major Pilbara Oil Refinery Project Being Considered with $4m Govt Study
The $4 million study will assess whether a new refinery can improve fuel security as Australia remains heavily reliant on imported refined fuels.
- On Tuesday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Western Australia Premier Roger Cook announced a $4 million feasibility study for a new oil refinery in Karratha, proposed by Perth-headquartered Perdaman to bolster national fuel security.
- Australia currently relies on imports for about 80% of its fuel, with only two domestic refineries remaining in Brisbane and Geelong; ongoing conflict in the Middle East has tightened global supplies, increasing urgency for energy resilience.
- This study is the first agreement signed under the Albanese Government's $10 million fund; Defence Consultant John Blackburn warned the facility would take "seven to ten years to get up and running."
- Energy Minister Chris Bowen stated that investing in onshore refining is "sensible and prudent," aiming to secure essential diesel supplies for regional communities in Western Australia that drive the state's economy.
- Nationals Leader Matt Canavan argued the refinery remains pointless unless the government scraps net zero policies, such as the Safeguard Mechanism, telling News24 that removing carbon taxes is essential for viability.
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Australia's new plan to boost fuel security
Australia might get its first new oil refinery in 60 years, as the government commits millions to a pre-feasibility study. Australia could get a third fuel refinery, as the government commits $4 million to explore whether building an oil refinery in Western Australia is a good idea. The new refinery would come after six of the country’s eight refineries steadily shuttered over the past two decades, making the potential new site the first “large…
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Middle East War: Australia Launches Refinery Project, First in 60 Years, to Boost Energy Sovereignty
DECRYPTAGE - The ongoing conflict and blockade of Ormuz, which raises concerns about fuel shortages, is driving Canberra to boost oil production, while the country has closed three quarters of its refineries over the past twenty years.
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