Queensland Premier David Crisafulli is promoting the extraction of oil from the Taroom Trough, a geological formation near Roma, Queensland, as a means to bolster Australia's fuel security amid rising international oil prices. Currently, Australia produces only 5.6% of its oil needs, relying on imports for 90% of its fuel, costing over A$51 billion last year. The Taroom Trough has been known for its potential for decades, but exploration is still in its infancy. Companies like Beach Energy and Shell are exploring the area, with Shell's pilot project already producing 200 barrels of oil daily. However, skepticism exists regarding the viability of extraction due to the need for fracking, which poses environmental risks, particularly concerning water usage in the agricultural region. Additionally, the type of oil extracted may not meet Australia's primary fuel needs, particularly diesel, which constitutes 54% of oil consumption. Historical attempts to exploit oil resources in Australia have often ended in failure, raising concerns that the Taroom Trough could follow a similar path. The outcome remains uncertain as exploration progresses.