Australia Moves Towards First New Oil Refinery in Over 60 Years
- Jul 29
- 1 min read
Australia has taken the first step toward building its first new oil refinery since the 1960s, as the federal government looks to strengthen the nation's fuel security.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Western Australian Premier Roger Cook have announced a $4 million joint pre-feasibility study to assess the development of a large-scale oil refinery in Karratha.
If approved, the facility would become Australia's third operating refinery, alongside existing plants in Geelong and Brisbane, and is expected to create thousands of jobs. The project would be developed and operated by Perdaman, a Western Australia-based company.
The study will examine potential sites across Western Australia, with a focus on the state's Mid West and South West regions. No timeline or construction cost has been confirmed at this stage.
The proposal is part of the government's broader $15 billion fuel security strategy, introduced after global fuel supply disruptions linked to the Middle East conflict. Australia currently imports around 90% of its liquid fuel, highlighting concerns about long-term energy resilience.
While the Coalition welcomed the idea of expanding local fuel refining, it argued the government also needs a broader energy strategy. Meanwhile, some experts say Australia should also consider increasing its use of locally produced biofuels as part of its future energy mix.
Stay tuned with Aus News Lanka – the leading platform for news for Australians.
Source : 9 News
Comments