April 3, 2026
South Burnett Regional Council plans to review projects “to see whether they can be delayed or re-scoped” in light of supply challenges stemming from the Middle East war.
A statement released by the Council on Thursday emphasised the South Burnett was a regional area built on agriculture and residents were being affected by the fuel crisis.
“As a council for the community, we are aware of the cost of living pressures that will unfortunately continue to increase in coming months and as a Council our operations are not immune, just like local businesses,” the statement continued.
“Council operations are continuing to experience direct cost increases due to rising fuel prices, along with ongoing supply chain challenges that are being monitored daily. It is expected the cost of goods and services will rise further.”
The SBRC backed a call from the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) and Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) for councils to be recognised as “essential services” in the response to fuel supply challenges.
LGAQ president Matt Burnett said on Thursday that councils welcomed the National Cabinet decision to halve fuel excise for three months and pause the heavy vehicle road user charge.
“However if, down the track, supply levels do become impacted, councils will need essential user status under the Liquid Fuel Supply Act (Qld) 1984 and the Federal Liquid Fuel Emergency Act so that they can maintain the delivery of critical services that Queensland communities rely on,” Cr Burnett said.
“For example, waste collection services are critical and would have community health impacts if these were not prioritised.”
LGAQ CEO Alison Smith said contractors who relied on freight haulage to provide councils with important inputs and construction materials were starting to raise prices, adding to the financial stresses on councils.
“Councils have told us that some contractors are saying they can no longer supply at contracted rates and are demanding new price schedules from councils at 30 per cent or higher,” Ms Smith said.
South Burnett Mayor Kathy Duff said the SBRC was going to do what it could to limit the impact on Council.
“We will concentrate on essential services which may mean some things may have to wait a little longer,” Mayor Duff said.
“We will also look at reducing the travel costs of staff where we can.”
Mayor Duff said the region’s road networks suffered extensive damage in the March rainfall, just as Council was making progress on repairs from previous years.
“It is important that we continue this work. Council is working to support local contractors that have been engaged for flood damage repairs as well as talking with the State Government on the impacts of fuel costs on these works to try to manage and where possible reduce financial impacts for our community,” Mayor Duff said.
“We would like to thank our local fuel suppliers and service stations who continue to advocate for our region to ensure we keep businesses and the community moving. We would also like to thank the people of our community for not panic buying and looking out for others.
“The impacts of the fuel crisis caused by the Middle East conflict will continue to evolve for people and businesses. As a Council, we will continue to advocate and work for the community every day.”
