URGENT HELP CALL FOR TOWN WITH NO FUEL

The Independent Member for Wagga Wagga, Dr Joe McGirr, has written to Federal Energy Minister Chris Bowen, urgently requesting him to restore fuel supplies to Batlow as a matter of the highest priority. 

The town’s only service station, an independent operator, has run dry of diesel and petrol because of the situation in the Middle East, leaving farmers and other community members in a dire situation. 

Dr McGirr has asked Minister Bowen to urgently develop a system of subsidies, or a similar mechanism, that would guarantee fuel supply at affordable prices to Batlow and other communities in a similar predicament. 

“Through no fault of his own, the operator of the Batlow service station is unable to source fuel at a reasonable price and is unwilling to pass on truly exorbitant prices to his community, leaving him no option but to effectively shutter his business,” Dr McGirr said. 

“It is unacceptable that the people of Batlow are denied critical fuel supplies and the Federal Government must act immediately to restore those supplies immediately. 

“The owner of the station is trying to do the right thing by his community but his hands are tied by circumstances beyond his control, and the people of Batlow are suffering as a result.” 

Dr McGirr has also made the NSW Premier’s Department aware of the situation. 

“The Batlow community deserves the same essential energy provision as larger towns and cities and this situation must not be allowed to continue,” he said. 

“I call upon the Federal Government to urgently take whatever steps are necessary to end this energy crisis and ensure fuel supplies are provided to Batlow as soon as possible. 

“This situation would not be tolerated in metropolitan communities, and it should not be acceptable in Batlow. 

“I look forward to prompt action by Minister Bowen to restore fuel supplies to Batlow before the shortage causes long-term harm to farming, industry and individuals.”