Overview
- The Queensland government, which disclosed Friday it is in talks with several proponents, is assessing multiple Gladstone sites for a new oil refinery.
- Resilient Energy Australia outlined an $11 billion plant designed to process about 210,000 barrels a day with a focus on diesel output of roughly 60 to 70 percent.
- The proponent says it has secured 400 hectares in the state development area and will seek federal financing such as Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility support to lift investor confidence.
- Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie directed Economic Development Queensland and the Coordinator‑General to fast‑track approvals and identify suitable land for potential projects.
- Federal Environment Minister Murray Watt ruled out national‑interest EPBC exemptions for fossil fuels and urged a bilateral approvals pathway, as the push follows a fire at Viva’s Geelong refinery, Shell’s Taroom Trough output of about 200 barrels a day, and local estimates of up to four years to build a new plant.