Ensuring Critical Fuel Supply for Emergency Services, Hospitals, and Communities in Crisis

The Refuelling Solutions’ Mini-Tanker and Maxi-Tanker teams are highly trained and ready to respond when mother nature challenges us. As Cyclone Alfred bore down on Southeast Queensland and Northern New South Wales from Thursday, March 6, through to Monday, March 10, the team stood prepared to face the challenges ahead. Ongoing training for events like Cyclone Alfred includes everyone from Management, Administration, and Schedulers to Operators and Drivers. When the cyclone hit, knowledge and training took over and on Friday, those who could reach the Underwood depot arrived, ready to assist. After a detailed briefing, every team member understood their role in supporting both colleagues and the community. 

As the wind howled and fuel terminals began shutting down, Maxi-Tankers ensured that Mini-Tanker depots at Underwood, Kunda Park, Narangba and Ballina were fully stocked in anticipation of terminal closures, which did eventuate.

Supporting emergency services operations, aged care centres, and hospitals became top priorities, ensuring generators remained operational, and fire trucks and other emergency vehicles stayed on the road. With over 275,000 homes without power and several staff members housebound, those who could reach the Underwood Depot efficiently managed an influx of urgent fuel delivery requests, scheduling operators and organising the delivery of fuel where it was needed most.

After working tirelessly through Friday night, and due to a small a break in the weather, our team was on-site refuelling at the Gold Coast Hospital by 5.00 am on Saturday.  Dedication and training ensured there was enough personnel to respond to the requests while maintaining compliant with fatigue regulations. This was a true demonstration of teamwork and preparedness.

Remarkably, despite operating in treacherous situations, our tankers did not record a single incident, accident, or bogging while operating in very challenging conditions. Coupled with both weather and the overwhelming demands on our people and resources, this was an excellent achievement.

When the community needed us most, the entire QLD team stepped up with resilience, professionalism, and teamwork that upheld our commitment to delivering leading service to our customers.