The City of Cockburn has taken decisive steps to plan for business continuity as fuel security in Western Australia continues to be threatened by ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
At its April 14 Ordinary Council Meeting, Cockburn Council gave its CEO authority to manage services, projects and facilities in line with the City’s business continuity approach for 2026 fuel supply stocks, until 31 July or a further Council decision.
City of Cockburn Mayor Logan Howlett said the City began investigating potential disruptions to City operations due to current pressures on global oil supply chains, including rising diesel and petrol prices, in March.
“The CEO has now established a Continuity Management Team (CMT) to develop, oversee and implement a plan if required,” Mayor Howlett said.
“While rising fuel prices are costing the City an extra $60,000 per month, our fuel supply is currently stable and it remains business as usual at the City.
“The City retains access to fuel supplies and has sufficient fuel reserves to maintain normal operations for two weeks, or longer if operations or services need to be reduced.
“While the situation remains volatile, the City expects fuel supply to remain constrained and prices to remain high for an extended period.
“This is why we have enacted a CMT, which will enable the City to monitor expenditure in the context of rising fuel costs, and ensure value for money. We will look at service and project adjustments if needed.”
Mayor Howlett said the City recognised it was a challenging time for the community.
“We can reassure the community that the City is working closely with the WA Local Government Association and the State and Federal governments to stay informed and responsive to what is an unpredictable situation,” Mayor Howlett said.
“The City will be primarily guided by State and Federal decisions in relation to implementing its business continuity response. However, changes to supply, pricing, contractor availability or other situations may require the City to act.
“This Council decision ensures the CEO has authority to change service levels and frequencies, including changes to operations and opening hours, such as partial closures, and shifting work locations.
“The CEO’s primary consideration will remain compliance with State and Federal mandates, community safety and the ongoing wellbeing of the City as an organisation, and its community.”