The Cook Government has moved quickly on one of the key actions to emerge from last week’s Fuel Security Roundtable, with 27.5-metre and 36.5-metre road trains now permitted to transport heavier loads to priority regional areas.
The change, effective from Monday, March 16th, applies specifically to loads carrying petrol, diesel, and fertiliser, with the additional weight allowance directed at key regions including the Goldfields, the South West, Great Southern, and the Wheatbelt. The decision was made by the government’s newly formed Fuel Industry Operations Group, established in direct response to concerns about supply amid ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
How the triaging process will work
Under the new arrangements, industry will work with government and fuel companies to identify and prioritise the depots most in need of stock. Those depot locations will be provided to Main Roads, which will then adjust existing road train permits on a case-by-case basis to accommodate the new temporary conditions. The permit changes will roll out progressively as required travel routes are confirmed.
The move dovetails with a separate Federal Government decision to relax minimum stock obligations for fuel companies that prioritise sending fuel to regional customers — a change designed to get petrol and diesel moving to country areas more quickly.
The roundtable that prompted action
The heavier load allowances are a direct outcome of the Fuel Security Roundtable convened by Premier Roger Cook on Tuesday last week. Held at Dumas House, the roundtable brought together state government ministers and WA industry leaders to assess the situation on the ground following a period of heightened community anxiety about fuel availability.
The government was assured during those discussions that fuel supply to WA continues uninterrupted, though temporary shortages at some retailers have emerged due to increased demand. A broader set of actions was agreed at the roundtable, covering everything from prioritising fuel and fertiliser imports through WA ports, to coordinating public messaging to reassure Western Australians that supply is stable.
What the government and industry agreed
Beyond the road train weight changes, the roundtable produced several other commitments. Fuel providers agreed to respond to the restocking needs of regional communities in a timely manner, while retailers committed to taking immediate steps to address excessive stockpiling. The newly formed Industry Operational Group will meet weekly to manage domestic supply chain issues as they emerge.
The State Government also agreed to continue pressing WA’s case with the Federal Government, with the roundtable feeding directly into that ongoing engagement.
Transport Minister Rita Saffioti described the road train changes as a significant practical step. “In times of global uncertainty, it’s more important than ever for government to work with industry and the community on practical solutions,” she said. “Working with industry, we will prioritise key regional areas to support the community and keep our economy strong through any global shocks.”
Road safety remains a priority as the new measures are implemented, with each permit adjustment assessed individually before vehicles hit the road with the extra load.
