Work begins on Australia’s first strategic fuel storage tank at Port of Newcastle

Work begins on Australia’s first strategic fuel storage tank at Port of Newcastle

Park Fuels is leading the charge in a plan to secure Australia’s long-term fuel supplies, with construction to begin at Kooragang on one of the country’s first strategic diesel storage facilities. 

Park Fuels CEO, Brett Fletcher joined Federal Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction, the Hon Angus Taylor MP to turn the first sod on the 30 Megaliter storage tank at the company’s Walsh Point terminal last week.

“This marks a significant milestone for Park Fuels and for the future security of Australia’s fuel supplies,” Brett said. 

“Diesel is the lifeblood of our heavy industries. It fuels our trucks, our mines and our farms, so  by investing in strategic storage facilities like this one we are helping to safeguard domestic supplies during peak periods and emergencies, while also keeping costs down for consumers. 

“The new tank, which will be built within the grounds of our state-of-the-art terminal at Port of  Newcastle, will increase our diesel storage capability at Kooragang from 54 megaliters to  approximately 84 megaliters. 

“As an Australian owned and operated company, we are proud to deliver a project that will not  only double our workforce during the construction phase but will increase our existing team by  10 per cent upon completion, ensuring Australian families and industries have continual access to the fuel they need, when they need it.” 

The new 30 million litre tank has been jointly funded by Park Fuels and the Commonwealth Government’s $260 million Boosting Australia’s Diesel Storage program, which aims to build around 780 Megalitres of diesel storage across the country. 

Port of Newcastle CEO, Craig Carmody said Newcastle and the Park Fuels facility at the Port  will play an important role in strengthening Australia’s fuel security by increasing the volume of  diesel stock that can be kept onshore to meet future needs. 

“Fuel imports have grown significantly over the past decade and now account for the Port’s  second largest trade, with an increase in demand from agriculture and mining, general industry  and domestic users,” Craig said.

“As operators of one of the Port’s three bulk liquid import terminals, we congratulate Park Fuels on reaching this significant milestone. 

“The investment that is being made by Park Fuels and the Government is recognition of the role the Hunter and Port of Newcastle play in keeping Australia’s economy running. Not only will it  increase our local fuel storage capabilities, but it will create local jobs and ultimately increase fuel trade through the port, which will have positive flow-on effects for our entire region.” 

Construction is expected to be completed mid next year with the new strategic storage tank operational by late 2023.

IMAGE | Liberal Candidate for Newcastle, Katrina Wark; Park Fuels Chief Commercial Officer, Paul Ormerod; Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction, The Hon Angus Taylor MP ; Park Fuels CEO, Brett Fletcher; and Liberal Candidate for Shortland, Nell McGill (left-right).

Port of Newcastle

Port of Newcastle is a major Australian trade gateway handling 4,600 ship movements and 166 million tonnes of cargo each year. Its annual trade worth more than $29 billion to the New South Wales economy, enabling businesses across the state to successfully compete in international markets.

With a deepwater shipping channel operating at 50% of its capacity, significant port land available and enviable access to national rail and road infrastructure, Port of Newcastle is positioned to further underpin the prosperity of the Hunter, NSW and Australia.

As custodians of the region’s critical asset, Port of Newcastle is diversifying its trade as it strives to create a safe, sustainable and environmentally and socially responsible Port that realises its potential.  

 

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