Across Australia, scrutiny around underground fuel systems continues to increase. Environmental regulators expect service station operators to demonstrate that their tanks are properly monitored and that potential leaks would be detected early. The question many independent operators should be asking in 2026 is simple. Are we genuinely compliant, or are we just assuming we are?
For many sites, SIRA reporting is still managed manually. Daily dips are recorded, sales and deliveries are entered, and a reconciliation figure is calculated. On the surface, this feels compliant. However, the detail matters.
Under Australian standards such as AS 4897, leak detection systems are expected to meet specific detection thresholds and performance criteria. That includes detecting small losses at defined rates, achieving a high probability of detection, and maintaining a low probability of false alarms. Simply completing a spreadsheet does not automatically mean those requirements are being satisfied.
Common risks we see across independent service stations include missed days of data, incorrect opening or closing dips, errors in delivery entries and a lack of clear monthly summaries. These issues may not cause immediate problems, but they can become significant during an EPA audit, an environmental incident or when selling the site. Buyers and banks increasingly request structured third-party SIRA records as part of due diligence.
The reality is that SIRA compliance is not just about entering numbers. It is about demonstrating that your system would detect a leak within the required parameters and that you have documented proof from a qualified external provider of ongoing oversight.
For multi-site operators, the complexity increases. Managing multiple tanks across multiple locations can make it difficult to ensure consistency, accuracy and timely review. Even single-site operators can struggle when key staff are on leave or when paperwork falls behind during busy trading periods.
At ServoPro, we are seeing a clear shift across the industry towards structured digital fuel reconciliation systems. Operators want something simple, compliant and easy to review, without relying on memory or manual calculations.
TankTrace is specifically for Australian service stations, and provides structured daily data entry, automated variance calculations and clear monthly reporting aligned with SIRA expectations. Importantly, it is supported by an Australian-based team who understand local regulations and the practical realities of operating a service station. When you have questions, you speak to people who know the industry.
TankTrace is also designed to be a cost effective solution for independent operators. Compliance should not require enterprise-level pricing. The focus has been to deliver a system that strengthens compliance, reduces administrative burden and remains commercially sensible for single-site and multi-site operators alike.
If you are unsure whether your current process would stand up to regulatory scrutiny or buyer due diligence, now is the time to review it. SIRA compliance is not something to revisit after a problem occurs.
If you would like a confidential review of your current system, reach out to the TankTrace or ServoPro team. We are happy to walk through your process and show you how TankTrace can simplify compliance, provide Australian based support and reduce risk in a cost effective way.
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