Fuel uncertainty leaves Ovens Valley farmers in the dark

The Nationals' Member for Ovens Valley, Tim McCurdy, says growing fuel uncertainty is leaving local farmers and businesses worried about how they will keep their operations running, warning the situation exposes Labor’s ongoing failure to manage both fuel security and the economy.

Mr McCurdy said farmers across the Ovens Valley are increasingly concerned about access to diesel and the rising cost of fuel, which is critical for planting, harvesting and transporting produce.

“An empty fuel tank means machinery stops, and when machinery stops, food production stops,” Mr McCurdy said.

Reports from across regional Australia show some farmers unable to secure diesel deliveries, while others fear shortages could delay key farming activities such as sowing.

Mr McCurdy said the situation highlights how vulnerable Australia has become after years of poor planning and economic mismanagement under Labor governments.

“With Australia importing around 90 per cent of its refined fuel, the government should have been strengthening our fuel security years ago instead of leaving farmers so vastly exposed. 

Mr McCurdy said Ovens Valley farmers are resilient, but they deserve certainty.

“Our farmers are working around the clock to feed and clothe the state and country. The very least they deserve is a government that takes fuel security and the cost of living seriously.”

“Labor can’t manage money, can't manage fuel security, and regional Victorians are paying the price for both."