Queensland Govt. Minister Commissions Oil Shock Study, Warns Rationing One Among Many Poss. Outcomes

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FUEL rationing may be one in a series of shocks facing drivers and commuters in Queensland. Looming oil shortages would produce the biggest change in society since the industrial revolution, Sustainability Minister Andrew McNamara warned yesterday. A report by Mr McNamara for state Cabinet on the impact of the fuel crisis is expected to include recommendations on rationing, the future of public and private transport and sustainable population issues.

It has been ordered on the premise there is overwhelming evidence world oil production will peak in under a decade. It is expected to recommend risk mitigation measures such as cuts in fuel consumption and encouraging the development and use of alternative fuels, technologies and strategies. It will also outline demographic and regional changes as Queenslanders change travel, work and living habits.

"I think people are going to be in for a shock when they find it's too expensive to drive their cars to work and then, when they get down to the station, they find the train is full and they can't get on board," Mr McNamara said. To underscore his concerns Mr McNamara will appear in a documentary film premiering next week in which he says the days when Queenslanders could "travel on a whim" in oil-powered vehicles are numbered.

The documentary Australia Pumping Empty, argues southeast Queensland is squandering billions on road, bridge and tunnel projects which few will be able to afford to travel on.

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http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,23710412-952,00.html