Queensland Pushes for $11bn Gladstone Refinery to Secure Australia’s Fuel Future

Premier David Crisafulli announces fast-tracked plans for a new oil refinery in Gladstone, aiming to bolster national fuel security following a major refinery fire.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 18, 2026, 4:52 AM EDT

Source: news.com.au

A Home-Grown Solution to a National Crisis

Australia is currently wrestling with a fuel shortage exacerbated by escalating Middle East conflicts between the US and Iran. With international supply lines under pressure, Premier Crisafulli emphasized the urgent need for domestic self-reliance.

The Vision: "I’ve spoken a lot about Queensland and the need for us to be able to control our own destiny—the need for us to drill, refine, and store our own fuel," Crisafulli said.

The Proponents: The state government is currently in high-level discussions with several companies, including Resilient Energy Australia, which has proposed an $11 billion facility.

Production Capacity: The proposed Gladstone refinery would be capable of processing 210,000 barrels of oil per day, with a primary focus on diesel production (60-70%), alongside aviation gasoline, kerosene, and jet fuel.

Fast-Tracking Approvals