PLANS for a critical infrastructure project are progressing at Ampol’s Lytton Refinery at the Port of Brisbane.
An upgrade at the refinery intends to improve fuel security and deliver lower emissions fuel.
It will go ahead as part of the Ampol Future Fuels Desulfurisation Project, which acting premier Steven Miles recently declared a critical infrastructure project.
“The Lytton Refinery is one of two oil refineries remaining in Australia and the only one in Queensland,” Mr Miles said.
He expects the upgrade to improve fuel security and efficiency in Queensland and around Australia.
“Importantly it will help deliver cleaner, lower emissions fuel, which is better for the environment,” he said.
“This will ensure the Lytton Refinery continues to operate long into the future, enabling retention of high-skill manufacturing jobs in Queensland.
“Declaring the project a prescribed project and critical infrastructure project will ensure timely decision making to help get this project off the ground.”
The project is to include plant upgrades, expansion and associated works on land owned by Ampol, within and adjoining the existing refinery.
Andrew Brewer, Ampol’s executive general manager, fuel supply chain, welcomed the state government’s move to declare the upgrade a critical infrastructure project.
“Ampol has proudly operated the Lytton Refinery since 1965 and is eager to get the Ampol Future Fuels Desulfurisation Project finalised and underway so we can move to the next stage of the refinery’s life,” Mr Brewer said.
“I know approvals associated with the project are complex and need to be obtained within tight timeframes.
“We would like to thank the Queensland government for their ongoing support, and we look forward to working with them as we finalise our own approvals and commence work on this project.”
The project is expected to create around 300 construction jobs.
