State-owned fuel stations pitch ahead of Qld election
Households will be able to fuel up their vehicles at state-owned petrol stations under an election pitch by the Miles government targeting further cost-of-living relief.
One day after bold 50c public transport fares have come effect in a six-month trial, Premier Steven Miles will use at state of the state address in Brisbane on Tuesday to pitch the establishment of 12 state-owned petrol stations if re-elected at the October election.
Fuel prices will also be capped to five cent a litre increases per day under the scheme.
Mr Miles and his government have budgeted multiple cost-of-living tailored packages for the financial year, forecasting a $2.6 billion budget deficit for 2024-25 because of its spending splurge.
These include $1000 energy rebates to every household, 20 per cent off car registration and 50c public transport fares for six-months.
A total of $3.8 billion in new cost-of-living relief was handed down in this year’s budget, taking total concessions to $11.2 billion.
The government is targeting further relief at the bowser if re-elected on October 26, as it trails the Liberal National Party opposition in polling.
“We don’t control global oil prices and we can’t force privately owned petrol retailers to charge less at the bowser, but a government I lead will do whatever we can to bring petrol prices down,” Mr Miles said.
“Publicly owned fuel stations will charge a fair price for fuel, increase competition, and ensure Queenslanders have more choice when it comes to filling up.”
The government will use “planning call-in powers” and publicly owned assets to establish the 12 state-owned petrol stations, while working with the RACQ to trial a daily limit on petrol price increases.
Publicly-owned stations will sell petrol, diesel and cater for electric vehicle fast chargers.
Mr Miles said the government will gauge where fuel price gouging is most rampant in the state and liaise with experts to identify the best petrol location options.
The premier has also announced that if re-elected a new Independent Transport Authority will be established.
That will move Translink – responsible for ferries, buses and trains – out from the Department of Transport and Main Roads into having its own board and CEO.
It is hoped the authority will align transport planning for all three forms of transport.
“Having an Independent Transport Authority will give them the ability to better coordinate all of that transport together,” Mr Miles told ABC Radio Brisbane on Tuesday.
“We want to find ways to make sure we have a better, more connected transport network.”
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