Fuel Pressures

practical information for providers and community

The Australian Government has moved Australia to Level 2 under the National Fuel Security Plan.

Country to Coast Queensland is helping communities, providers and commissioned services stay prepared and connected to care during the current fuel pressures affecting Australia. We are also contributing regional reporting and insights to support the national response.

This page will be updated if the situation changes.

community members

A few simple steps now can help you stay connected to care if your usual routine changes.

virtual care

Talk to your GP, practice or care team about what phone or telehealth options they offer.

medicines

Make sure essential medicines and repeat scripts are filled and up to date. Allow extra time where possible.

backup plan

Have a simple backup plan for appointments, care and support if your usual routine changes.

speak to a nurse or gp 24/7

If you can’t get to your usual GP or care team, call 1800MEDICARE (1800 633 422) for free health advice from a registered nurse, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They can guide you to the right care, including local GP options where available, or a free GP phone or video consultation when local appointments are not possible.

In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000).

fuel saving tips information

Saving fuel where we can means we leave more for those who really need it, like farmers, truckies and essential services. Every litre saved will build a bigger buffer against future supply uncertainty. Even just a few voluntary actions from the tips below – as simple as emptying your boot or pumping up your tires – will help Australia to keep moving and stay safe.

looking after your mental wellbeing

Medicare Mental Health offers free support to anyone in Australia. A friendly, trained professional is just a phone call away (1800 595 212), or you can walk into a Medicare Mental Health Centre, no referral needed.

providers and commissioned services

We encourage local primary care, aged care and CCQ commissioned providers to review any practical impacts current fuel pressures may have on service delivery, workforce movement and client access, and to take reasonable steps to support continuity of care.

Things to consider:

any impacts on workforce travel, outreach or site access
whether patients/clients/residents may have difficulty attending appointments or services
any local supply or logistics issues affecting service delivery
whether increased phone or telehealth options can support continuity where appropriate
whether consumer communications need updating if access arrangements change

Helpful actions:

review continuity arrangements relevant to your service
confirm what virtual care options are available to patients/clients/residents
consider how patients/clients/residents will be advised if appointments or access arrangements change
identify any groups who may need additional support if travel becomes harder
raise emerging issues through your usual Country to Coast Queensland contact

Commissioned providers: please continue to liaise with your contract manager or contact Country to Coast Queensland regarding any emerging service impacts.

Primary care and aged care providers: please continue to liaise with your Healthy Ageing or Primary Health Coordinator or contact Country to Coast Queensland regarding any emerging service impacts.