General News
13 February, 2026
Community rallies to keep fuel in Snake Valley
THE Snake Valley General Store and Post Office, run by Vannessa Merriman, is more than just a place to collect mail, it is a vital hub for locals and surrounding communities. One of its many services is access to fuel, sparing residents the need to travel long distances to fill up. But that service has recently been placed under threat following issues with the underground unleaded fuel tank.
Vannessa explained that problems were identified with the tank’s valve, prompting further investigation. “While there was a problem with the top of the tank, they said we would do a pressure check because we didn’t want to tip money into it if it wasn’t going to last long,” she said.
The results showed the tank was not viable long term, forcing Vannessa to make a difficult decision, whether to continue supplying diesel or unleaded fuel. “I said we have to sell diesel because we’ve got farmers out here. The farmers can’t take their tractors further on, and the fire brigade,” she said. “For us, I wanted unleaded, but for the community I have to have diesel. We need the CFA out here.”
The proposal now is to install a new diesel tank on site and convert the existing underground tank to maintain compliance for unleaded fuel storage. A permit has been lodged with the shire, as works will require digging up part of the nature strip to run new wiring and replace infrastructure. “The shire have come to the party,” Vannessa said.
With neighbouring towns such as Linton and Smythesdale no longer offering fuel, Snake Valley has become the only local option for many residents.
Recognising the importance of maintaining the service, community member Melissa Westwood has launched a GoFundMe campaign, aiming to raise $12,000 to help cover the cost of upgrading the underground tanks. “Vannessa does so much for the community that she doesn’t need to do,” Melissa said.
Melissa said when she heard about the financial burden involved, she felt compelled to act. “It is an essential service. I know a lot of people can’t get to work some mornings without stopping down there for a can of fuel. We’ve all been caught in that situation,” she said. “Anything we can raise is great so she doesn’t have to spend it out of her own pocket. I want her to feel like we appreciate and understand how much she does for the community, it doesn’t go unnoticed.”
Within a week, $2,880 had been raised on the GoFundMe as of Wednesday.
Vannessa said she was still in the process of obtaining definitive quotes, noting that costs below $15,000 would make the project worthwhile, but the community support has been humbling, “I was really embarrassed about it, because it’s not about the money, but they realise it’s not about the money for me either,” she said. “We are a small community and we all rally behind each other.”
She added that if the fundraiser exceeded its target, any unused funds would not be kept. “Anything I don’t have to use will definitely go across to the CFA for them to utilise. It’s community money,” she said.
Just last week, she handed the CFA $1,000 to take members and their partners out for dinner as a thank you for their dedication, “Because of the fact that we all run away from a fire and they stay here and wait.”
Donations to support the project can be made via the GoFundMe page. https://gofund.me/35abc1704
Read More: Snake Valley