Regional Victorians short-changed as gas supply axed in 10 towns
More than 1180 gas customers across 10 Victorian communities have been told their supply will be shut off by the end of next year in the latest blow to regional communities under Labor's anti-gas agenda.
A total of 1150 households and 34 businesses in Marong, Terang, Lakes Entrance, Orbost, Heathcote, Nathalia, Swan Hill, Maldon, Robinvale, and Kerang will be impacted.
More than two-thirds of affected customers use gas for cooking and hot water, and half rely on gas for ducted heating.
The announcement by Solstice Energy (formerly Tas Gas) that it will cease gas supply to residents and businesses in these communities will force customers to electrify or switch to LPG.
Despite this significant disruption, the company is reportedly offering only a token payment of a few hundred dollars - with no clear communication to those affected.
Shadow Minister for Energy, David Davis, said the decision was a direct consequence of Labor's anti-gas policies creating a hostile investment environment in Victoria.
"Families and small businesses will be left high and dry, forced into expensive electrification processes many simply can't afford," Mr Davis said.
"This is the cost of Labor's anti-gas dogma. Businesses are pulling the pin because of the ideological war being waged against gas in Victoria.
"Lily D'Ambrosio must front up to the communities affected and explain what she will do to fix this mess."
Leader of The Nationals and Shadow Minister for Regional Development and Liveability, Danny O'Brien, said the announcement was another example of Labor failing regional communities.
"These gas connections occurred thanks to investment by the former Liberals and Nationals Government in 2014 after the previous Labor Government gave up on further extensions of gas to regional Victoria," Mr O'Brien said.
"Labor has never been supportive of this program and now its anti-gas and anti-regional agenda has cost these communities.
"Removing energy options for regional communities costs households at a time of a cost-of-living crisis and reduces the economic development opportunities in these areas."
The announcement comes as energy bills rise across the state and the cost of major infrastructure blowouts - including the VNI West project now estimated at $11.4 billion - is pushed onto consumers.
"Labor can't manage energy, can't manage our soaring cost-of-living and Victorians are paying the price," Mr Davis said.
