The Waste Management and Resource Recovery Association of Australia (WMRR) is calling on Federal, State and Territory governments to urgently prioritise fuel access for the waste and resource recovery sector, as global supply pressures begin to impact diesel availability across Australia.
WMRR CEO Ms Gayle Sloan said the ongoing conflict involving Iran is already disrupting global fuel supply chains, with Australian operators experiencing increasing difficulty accessing diesel alongside significant price volatility.
“These pressures are not theoretical — they are being felt now and are expected to intensify in the coming weeks and months,” Ms Sloan said. “Often operating out of sight, our sector can be overlooked in times of crisis. However, it is fundamental to the effective and efficient operation of Australian businesses and the broader community.”
Australia’s waste and resource recovery industries are already experiencing limited access to diesel constraining operational capacity, rapid and sustained fuel price increases placing significant strain on existing contracts, and heightened risks to service delivery particularly in regional and remote areas.
WMRR is calling for immediate recognition of the sector as an essential service with priority access to diesel and other critical fuels; inclusion in fuel allocation and emergency management frameworks; and ongoing engagement with industry to monitor impacts and coordinate responses.
“Ensuring continuity of waste and recycling services is not optional — it is fundamental to safeguarding public health and maintaining community wellbeing,” Ms Sloan said. “Proactive action now will help prevent more serious disruptions in the near future.”