50,000 sign petition on fuel prices

2nd June 2009

FIFTY-THOUSAND motorists have signed a petition opposing any change which could see fuel rise by over 9 cents a litre.

AAP

JOINING some of Queensland's most powerful lobby groups, 50,000 motorists have signed a petition opposing any change which could see fuel rise by over 9 cents a litre.

Queenslanders receive cheaper fuel thanks to a 9.2 cents a litre fuel tax rebate.

The rebate is under threat as the Queensland government seeks to fill a $14 billion hole in its budget caused by the global financial crisis.

The 50,000 signatures were gathered in a week in response to the RACQ's online petition, lending weight to major industry groups opposing the axing of the rebate including AgForce, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland, Motor Trades Association of Queensland and the Queensland Trucking Association.

RACQ 's general manager for external relations Gary Fites said the response to the motoring organisation's petition indicated strong support across the community for retaining the fuel subsidy.

Mr Fites said that, combined with increases in vehicle registration fees of 17 to 22 per cent from July 1, removing the long standing subsidy would cost most Queensland families several hundred dollars a year.