Queensland explores new oil refinery in Gladstone amid fuel crisis
Consensus Summary
Queensland’s government is exploring a new $11 billion oil refinery in Gladstone, led by Resilient Energy Australia, to address Australia’s fuel crisis following the April 16 fire at Victoria’s Viva Energy refinery. The project, which would process 210,000 barrels of oil daily with a focus on diesel, aims to secure long-term fuel security and reduce reliance on imports. Both sources confirm discussions involve multiple developers, Gladstone’s strategic port advantages, and federal financing support. While ABC highlights sulphuric acid by-product uses and a four-year construction timeline, NEWSCOMAU emphasizes fast-tracked approvals and ties the crisis to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Premier David Crisafulli frames the initiative as part of Queensland’s push for energy sovereignty, though exact timelines remain uncertain.
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Key details reported by multiple sources:
- Queensland Government is in discussions with developers about a new oil refinery in Gladstone
- Resilient Energy Australia proposed an $11 billion refinery in Gladstone, focusing on diesel production
- The proposed refinery would process 210,000 barrels of oil per day
- Gladstone has Queensland’s largest multi-commodity port, suitable for large crude oil ships
- Resilient Energy Australia has secured 400 hectares of land in Gladstone’s state development area
- Queensland Premier David Crisafulli confirmed discussions on multiple refinery sites in Gladstone
- The announcement follows the fire at Victoria’s Viva Energy oil refinery (Geelong) on April 16, 2026
- Australia currently has only two operational oil refineries: Ampol’s Lytton refinery (Brisbane) and Viva Energy (Geelong)
- The project aims to boost Queensland’s sovereign fuel capability and long-term security
- Construction could take up to four years, according to Gladstone Regional Council Mayor Matt Burnett
Points of Difference
Details reported by only one source:
- Resilient Energy Australia will seek federal financing through the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility to boost investor confidence
- Sulphuric acid by-product from refining will be used in bitumen, fertiliser, and explosives
- Mayor Matt Burnett has worked with Resilient Energy Australia for over five years on the project
- Premier David Crisafulli mentioned ‘boosting the state’s sovereign capability’ as a key goal
- The Gladstone refinery would produce aviation gasoline, gasoline, kerosene, and jet fuel alongside diesel
- Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie directed Economic Development Queensland and the Coordinator-General to fast-track approvals for the project
- The fuel crisis is linked to the US-Iran conflict in the Middle East
- The project is described as a ‘long-term vision’ with short- and medium-term steps required
- The refinery’s diesel output would be 60–70% of total production
Contradictions
Conflicting information between sources:
- ABC states the Gladstone refinery would take up to four years to construct (citing Mayor Burnett), while NEWSCOMAU does not specify a timeline beyond Premier Crisafulli’s vague ‘long-term vision’ statement
Source Articles
Queensland government in discussions for new oil refinery
As the fuel crisis continues, a proposal for an $11 billion new oil refinery in central Queensland has been put forward.
State unveils new plan to ease fuel crisis
Days after a fire left one of Australia’s last two oil refineries damaged, one Aussie state has unveiled plans to help alleviate the nation’s fuel crisis with their own home-built solution.