The refining giant has launched a $55 million re-refinery in Gladstone, which will complement its current operations in Wagga, where it collects and re-refines used lube oils from engines, hydraulics and gear oils.

Member for Riverina Michael McCormack visited the Gladstone site and welcomed the benefits a second processing plant will bring to his electorate. 

“It creates greater business links,” Mr McCormack said. “But it also means expertise will be shared between both plants, creating more opportunity for the business and employees.” 

The second plant will drastically cut the need to dig for more oil while cutting carbon emissions by up to 300 million tonnes per year. 

Southern Oil Refineries managing director Tim Rose welcomed more 

environmentally friendly practices.

“We need to stop the bad practice of burning the stuff,” Mr Rose said,

“All these companies that say they’re environmentally friendly and yet we 

have just 4 per cent of the domestic market.” 

The Gladstone site is expected to be operational by November.