A wave of mild hysteria swept across the region this week as towns up and down the highway reported dwindling fuel supplies. Drivers were spotted forming queues longer than a Centrelink phone wait, clutching jerry cans like they were rare artefacts from a bygone civilisation. Rumours spread faster than a harvest fire: “No fuel by lunchtime!”, “Servo’s dry!”, “Someone filled a Hilux AND a boat—selfish bugger!”

Local councils issued calm, measured statements encouraging residents to “avoid panic buying,” which of course triggered even more panic buying. One town reportedly saw a man attempt to siphon petrol from his own lawnmower “just in case.”

But in the midst of the chaos, one community remained perfectly, serenely unfazed.

Burren Junction.

While the rest of the region scrambled, Burren locals simply shrugged, sipped their coffees, and carried on with their day. When asked how they were staying so calm during the crisis, one resident replied:

“Mate… Burren Junction ran out of petrol 15 years ago.”
 

Author - Stephen Gardiner

A vital stretch of the Kamilaroi Highway west of Burren Junction is set for significant rehabilitation, with the Minns Labor Government delivering long-term improvements to one of north-west NSW’s most important road corridors. From Tuesday, 3 March, work will begin on a full rehabilitation of a three-kilometre section between Walgett and Cryon, near the Goangra–Beanbri intersection, where the pavement has continued to deteriorate despite routine and heavy patching. Rather than temporary fixes, crews will carry out a full pavement rehabilitation to rebuild and restore the road surface, improving ride quality and strengthening the highway for the long term.

Member for Barwon, Roy Butler, has warned that the ongoing fuel crisis could severely compromise access to essential health and community services in rural and remote communities unless a temporary fuel subsidy is introduced.

Mr Butler’s office has been contacted by numerous organisations that provide transport for rural and remote patients to attend health and specialist appointments, as well as organisations delivering health services directly into people’s homes.

“These services are a lifeline for people who have no other means of transport,” Mr Butler said. “Any disruption caused by increased fuel prices would have serious consequences for health and wellbeing outcomes in our communities.”

Rising concern about the impact of the fuel crisis on local tourism has prompted the Member for Barwon, Roy Butler, to urge city residents to continue with their plans to visit regional NSW over the Easter holiday.  

Local tourism operators are reporting a bump in Easter cancellations against a backdrop of lower overall bookings in March this year compared to the same time last year. 

“It’s a tough time for many people who work in tourism,” said Mr Butler.  

“Caravan parks in Broken Hill are reporting a drop in revenue of more than 25%, with management and staff discussing reduced hours. 

“Fewer shifts are available for motel workers around Narrabri too.