Every time the cyclone season hits Australian farms, it hits hard, disrupting fuel deliveries, flooding sites and halting operations when you need equipment running most. With BOM forecasting above-average activity for 2025-26, farms face delivery delays, price spikes and infrastructure damage that can last weeks. Fuelfix equips you with resilient fuel strategies – bunded tanks, onsite refuelling and smart management to keep tractors, pumps and generators fuelled through the storm.
Why cyclone season demands farm fuel resilience
- Fuel supply chains break down: Roads flood, ports close and refineries prioritise urban areas, leaving rural sites without deliveries for days or weeks.
- Onsite storage becomes critical: Self‑bunded diesel tanks prevent spills during floods and ensure 24/7 access to fuel for irrigation, livestock transport and emergency power.
- Operational continuity: Farms lose revenue daily when equipment sits idle; reliable onsite refuelling minimises downtime and protects cashflow.
- Regulatory compliance: AS1940 requires bunded containment to manage spill risks in flood zones – non‑compliance risks fines when inspectors tour post‑event. Read our blog, ‘Achieving and Maintaining AS1940 Compliance: Your Action Plan Step By Step’.
Fuelfix bunded tanks and fuel trailers are proven in cyclone recovery, supporting farms from Queensland to WA through volatile seasons.
Essential bunded tank setup for farms
Bunded tanks protect fuel from floodwater contamination while meeting AS1940 spill containment standards. Position and configure them right for cyclone resilience.
Optimal site selection
- Elevated, stable ground: Place tanks on high ground away from low‑lying paddocks, creeks or drainage lines to avoid submersion.
- Secure from wind and debris: Anchor tanks and position behind windbreaks to withstand cyclonic gusts up to 250 km/h.
- Easy access routes: Ensure gravel or sealed paths allow delivery trucks and onsite refuelers to reach tanks even in heavy rain.
Tank specifications for farm use
- Self‑bunded diesel capacity: 10,000-70,000L tanks balance storage needs with mobility for seasonal relocation.
- Flood‑resistant features: Anti‑syphon valves, high‑mounted vents and sealed hatches prevent water ingress and fuel loss.
- Integrated dispensing: High‑flow pumps (up to 200 LPM) with auto‑nozzles for fast tractor and ute refuelling.
Fuelfix’s 70,000L self‑bunded tanks and 30,000L fuel tanks are plug‑and‑play for remote farms, with solar‑powered pumping options eliminating genset fuel burn during blackouts.
Fuelfix’s 500L fuel cells offer a flexible alternative during post‑cyclone conditions, allowing farmers to strap them onto the back of 4WD Utes with a 12V pump. The ideal alternative when boggy roads make towing a trailer impossible and access to remote bores or generators is still critical.
Onsite refuelling best practices
Efficient onsite refuelling cuts exposure to weather and supply risks. Fuelfix systems optimise this workflow.
Fuel management systems (FMS)
- Real‑time monitoring: Track levels, consumption and theft via ATG and FMS for proactive reordering before storms hit.
- User authentication: PIN or RFID access prevents unauthorised use by contractors or staff during chaos.
- Reporting for claims: Detailed logs support insurance claims for storm‑related fuel use or losses.
Safe refuelling protocols
- Designated zones: Create gravel refuelling pads with spill containment and fire extinguishers nearby.
- Equipment sequence: Refuel tractors and generators first, then static pumps; prioritise high‑usage assets.
- Weather monitoring: Use BOM apps to schedule refuelling during lulls between rain bands.
Fuelfix FMS delivers accurate reporting and security, helping farms cut waste by 20-30% even in high‑stress periods.
Cyclone preparedness checklist
Run this pre‑season audit to harden your fuel setup.
Pre‑cyclone (Nov-Apr)
- Top tanks to 90% capacity before warnings.
- Test FMS alarms, pumps and genset integration.
- Secure loose items around tanks and clear drainage paths.
- Stock spill kits and train staff on emergency shutdowns.
During event
- Monitor levels remotely.
- Avoid refuelling in high winds or lightning.
- Isolate electricals if flooding threatens.
Post‑event recovery
- Inspect for water contamination or damage.
- Drain and test fuel quality before use.
- Document losses for insurance and restock strategically.
Fuelfix supporting farms and utilities in cyclones
Fuelfix steps up when cyclones strike, supplying bunded tanks and trailers to keep critical operations running.
North Queensland floods: Ergon Energy support
During record‑breaking North Queensland floods, Fuelfix supplied over 10 fuel storage tanks to Ergon Energy (Energy Queensland). With Ingham cut off from Townsville and Cairns, these tanks enabled power restoration crews to maintain generators and equipment onsite. Collaboration with emergency services ensured rapid deployment, minimising blackout duration for isolated communities.
Energex & Powerlink: Storm resilience
Fuelfix partnered with Energex and Powerlink during severe weather events, providing backup fuel infrastructure to support emergency power generation. Bunded tanks and trailers ensured crews had reliable diesel access despite road closures and delivery disruptions, accelerating grid recovery.
Farm contingency planning
For broadacre farms in cyclone‑prone regions, Fuelfix recommends hiring diesel trailers as rotating backups. These mobile units refuel harvesters and pumps onsite, bridging gaps when bulk deliveries stall. Long‑standing supplier relationships secure fuel even during national shortages.
Fuelfix’s country‑wide footprint and rapid response teams make it the go-to for cyclone fuel resilience from single farms to utility networks.
Build your 2026 cyclone fuel plan
1.Assess needs: Calculate daily diesel burn for irrigation, transport and backup power.
2.Procure assets: Hire or buy Fuelfix bunded tanks/trailers now, before demand spikes.
3.Integrate FMS: Add fuel management for visibility and security.
4.Train and drill: Run cyclone fuel scenarios with staff quarterly.
5.Partner with Fuelfix: Leverage local technicians for setup, maintenance and emergency response.
With Fuelfix bunded tanks, onsite refuelling and proven cyclone support, your farm stays operational when others shut down. Fuel security isn’t just storage – it’s survival in cyclone season.
