Red meat fuel survey

Fuel is a critical input for every sheep production business and we need a clearer picture of how much we rely on it. 

The Red Meat Advisory Council - is asking producers to take 5 minutes to complete a national fuel survey. 

Complete the survey

This data will support industry advocacy and help ensure agriculture remains a priority in fuel distribution - especially during disruptions. 

What is this survey? 

Captures producer’s fuel usage and requirements, where they are located and their enterprise. The results are confidential and will be stored confidentially. 

What should producers do? 

It takes a few minutes to complete the survey. The stronger the response rate, the stronger the industry’s position when engaging with government. This is a practical way for producers to shape outcomes that directly affect their business. 

Why is this survey needed now? 

We need a clear, current picture of how much fuel Australian agriculture uses and where it’s used. This information will underpin what we take to government - whether that’s about fuel security, priority access during a disruption, or longer-term planning. 

Without data, it’s difficult to make a strong case. This survey is about making sure agriculture is properly represented in those discussions. 

Why hasn’t this been done before? 

Agriculture has undertaken similar surveys in the past, but the operating environment has changed significantly. Fuel use, supply chains and production systems have evolved - and the risks around global supply are very different to even a few years ago. 

What matters is having up-to-date, credible data – fast - that reflects how the sector operates today. 

Is this a lesson for the industry? 

Yes - it highlights how quickly the global environment can shift. Events that once sat in the “low likelihood” category are now part of normal planning. Geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions and market volatility mean agriculture can’t assume inputs like fuel will always be readily available. 

Is fuel security a real concern for agriculture? 

Fuel is a critical input across the entire supply chain - from on-farm operations through to processing and transport. Any disruption has immediate and widespread impacts. 

This survey is about understanding exposure and ensuring agriculture is considered in national fuel security planning. 

How does this link to The Future Flock? 

The Future Flock consultation has consistently pointed to the need for greater preparedness and resilience across the sheep industry. This includes understanding reliance on key inputs like fuel and how that might change under different scenarios. 

Will this survey provide an accurate picture of fuel use? 

This isn’t about achieving perfect precision - it’s about getting a reliable, up-to-date estimate quickly. There’s always a balance between speed, efficiency, and detail. This survey is designed to be practical and accessible, so we can capture a broad snapshot across the sector without creating a heavy reporting burden. 

It’s a cost-effective, opt-in approach that allows industry to build a strong enough evidence base to inform discussions with government. Over time, that picture can be refined - but having a solid estimate now is far more valuable than waiting for perfect data. 

What has Sheep Producers Australia done about fuel/food security? 

SPA provided a submission to the National Food Security Strategy Discussion Paper. Fuel storage was covered as part of this submission. View the submission