Queensland councils call for fuel crisis “essential user” status
Published on 02 April 2026
Queensland’s peak local government body is calling for “essential user” status for councils to ensure they can keep delivering essential services, should the current fuel crisis hit harder.
This week, the LGAQ has been in meetings in Canberra, advocating for councils to have priority access under State and Federal emergency fuel legislation in order to deliver essential services, such as waste collection, should fuel supplies start to tighten in the future.
"The LGAQ is collating feedback from our 77 councils across the state, with all reporting price increases and affordability impacts,” LGAQ President Mayor Matt Burnett said.
"We welcome 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.
"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 rely on freight haulage to provide councils with important inputs and construction materials are starting to jack up 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.
"Äll councils – metro, urban, rural and regional – are vulnerable to fuel price hikes, given the vast geographical areas they cover.
“Diesel use also increases dramatically in northern parts of Queensland once the wet season ends in May, a time many councils ramp up their road works, maintenance and essential activities.
“The LGAQ is reporting councils’ fuel needs directly to the State Government Fuel Taskforce and we’re urging them and the Commonwealth to prioritise these at the national level.
"Communities need their councils to be able to ensure continuity of essential government functions and services, such as waste collection services to prevent public health impacts.
“We’ll continue to fight for councils on fuel security, and that’s exactly what we did in our meetings with the Federal Government in Canberra this week.”
For more information, please contact:
Martin Philip, Media Advisor
Phone: 07 3155 4003
Local Government Association of Queensland