Rural Councils Victoria has written to the Premier, Jacinta Allan, urging her to include rural perspectives in her government’s response to fuel access issues.
The letter details the distinctive impacts that fuel issues have in country areas, and rural councils’ unique position to advise the government as it considers policy responses.
A full copy of the letter is below.
Attributable to Rural Councils Victoria Chair, Cr Rob Amos:
“With big distances to travel and limited public transport, as well as the heavy-use industries of agriculture and transport, fuel access is critical for country communities.
“The Victorian Government needs to ensure that rural voices are heard, and form part of its response as the community navigates this challenge.”
“Rural councils are uniquely placed to advise the government on how fuel access issues are affecting country communities and businesses.”
==ENDS==
Dear Premier,
Re: Victoria targeting price gouging and preparing ahead
Rural Councils Victoria (RCV) welcomes the Victorian Government’s recent announcement regarding action to address fuel price gouging and preparations for potential supply disruptions.
RCV represents Victoria’s 35 rural councils and the communities they serve across regional and rural Victoria. These communities are highly dependent on reliable and affordable fuel supplies for everyday life, from agricultural production and freight to essential services and long-distance travel.
We note the Government’s announcement that it is increasing compliance activity, sharing fuel price data with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, and convening an industry forum to understand the potential impacts of global developments on Victoria’s fuel supply and key sectors.
Rural communities can be particularly vulnerable to fuel price spikes or supply disruptions. Longer travel distances, limited transport alternatives and the reliance of farming and regional industries on diesel and petrol mean that fuel costs have immediate and significant impacts on rural households, businesses and local economies.
For this reason, RCV would welcome the opportunity to be involved in the Government’s ongoing preparedness efforts and to participate in future briefings, consultations or industry forums as the Government continues to monitor and respond to the situation.
In particular, we believe rural councils can contribute valuable on-the-ground insights regarding:
● the impact of fuel pricing and supply issues on agriculture, freight and regional supply chains
● the potential implications for rural households and small businesses
● local infrastructure and logistics considerations in regional areas
● the role councils can play in supporting communication and coordination with communities.
Our member councils work closely with farming communities, regional industries and local businesses, and we would be pleased to assist the Government in ensuring that any response reflects the realities faced across rural Victoria.
Thank you for the Government’s proactive approach to addressing these challenges.
We look forward to working constructively with you and your colleagues as this work progresses.
Yours sincerely
Cr Rob Amos
RCV Chair
Cc: The Hon Nick Staikos, Minister for Local Government
Media contact:
Ryan Sheales
Email
0402 351 412
