Refuelling FAQs

Introduction

Fuel supply at Shellharbour Airport is of paramount importance in ensuring that tenants and visiting aviators have access to safe, reliable, and high-quality fuel at a competitive price. A dependable fuel supply not only meets the operational needs of aircraft owners but also contributes significantly to the overall running costs of Shellharbour Airport. By maintaining high standards in fuel quality and availability, we are able to support the local aviation community and enhance the service offerings at the airport, fostering efficiency and safety in all aviation activities.

Additionally, a secure and competitive fuel supply is essential for attracting more tenants and visitors, thereby promoting growth and sustainability within the airport community.  This commitment to quality and reliability reflects our dedication to supporting the aviation sector while ensuring responsible management of resources and adherence to safety and environmental standards.

Why is Council changing the fuel supplier at Shellharbour Airport? 

The previous lease agreement expired in December 2023. Council elected to conduct an Expression of Interest (EOI) process to obtain the best fuel supplier for the airport and its tenants.  EOI documents were made public via Council’s website and Tenderlink. Council received a number of high-quality submissions.  After a rigorous process, the selection panel selected Aero Refuellers as the new fuel supplier. 

Who is Aero Refuellers and why were they selected?

Aero Refuellers is a specialist aviation fuel reseller.  They operate at 30-plus regional and rural locations with more than 50 dedicated trucks and staff across Australia.  Aero Refuellers provided the overall best value offer. The application was considered the best value for the Council, airport tenants and the community.

What is the temporary fuel facility and why is it necessary?

A temporary fuel facility has been constructed and will be operating for six to 12 months while the old fuel site is removed and remediated. As part of the new agreement, a new fuel site will be constructed with best practice environmental and safety controls and increased storage capacity.  Aero Refuellers will provide an interim facility during this time between the remediation of the old fuel site and commissioning of the new fuel site.  The temporary facility has both fuel types (JetA1 and AvGas) in one dispensing station. The addition of a 30-metre fuel hose and an ample apron area will decrease congestion.

Tell me about the new fuel site.

Aero Refuellers will be constructing a new fuel site with JetA1 and AvGas available 24/7 from two separate dispensing stations.  A new JetA1 refuelling apron area will be constructed in the location of the temporary fuel site.  Aero Refuellers will also operate fuel tankers which will be available 24/7.  The new fuel site will have bulk fuel storage (initially 55kL of AvGas and 110kL of JetA1) ensuring reliable and safe fuel supply for the airport.

I have a current fuel supply agreement.  Can this continue, or can I obtain my own tank or fuel truck?

Operators should contact Aero Refuellers directly to discuss any fuel agreements requirements. 

Please note that additional fuel tanks or refueling tankers are not permitted on the airport without obtaining landowner consent, which includes securing an approved Development Application (DA) and ensuring that the current lease conditions permit bulk fuel storage.

The council prefers to limit the number of bulk fuel storage facilities at the airport due to safety and environmental considerations. Therefore, operators should carefully assess their fuel needs and coordinate directly with Aero Refuellers.

Can we be confident that fuel quality and equipment will be maintained?  What about breakdowns?

Aero Refuellers is an aviation fuel specialist with decades of experience in aviation fuel.  The new site is required to be fully compliant with aviation standards and independently audited for RPT operations.  Fuel quality checks will be conducted daily by the onsite team and all fuel will have batch tracking and release notes.  You may have seen some of the Aero Refuellers in-house maintenance team on site constructing the temporary fuel facility - this team are on-call 24/7 for breakdowns and will also attend the site on a regular basis for maintenance of all equipment. 

Will MOGAS be supplied at the new fuel site?

There is no requirement for Aero Refuellers to supply MOGAS at this point.  Aero Refuellers is designing their site to be able to add MOGAS at a later date if demand is required.

Will the fuel pricing on the airport be competitive?

Aero Refuellers has undertaken to keep the PAP (Posted Airfield Price) on the airport at a competitive rate.  We will be monitoring this PAP against various other regional and rural airports in NSW, to ensure the rates remain competitive.

Where can I get more information?

For information regarding the tender process, please contact the Airport Manager on 0417 625 595. For information about Aero Refuellers, or to obtain a credit account application, please contact them directly on 1300 774 301 or orders@aerorefuellers.com.au