Australian Energy Producers welcomes the appointment of Jaclyn Symes as Victoria's Minister for Energy and Resources and looks forward to working constructively with her to strengthen the state's energy future.
Victorian Director Peter Kos said Ms Symes brings a strong appreciation of the important role of natural gas in supporting Victorian manufacturing and delivering reliable energy for millions of households and businesses.
"The appointment of a new Energy Minister presents an opportunity to take a fresh look at Victoria's energy policies and ensure they encourage investment in new gas supply, deliver timely approvals and give Victorians the choice they deserve when it comes to household gas use," Mr Kos said.
"Victoria's future prosperity depends on maintaining a strong local gas industry, and we look forward to working with Minister Symes to ensure Victorians continue to have access to reliable and affordable gas.
“We urge the Government to listen to Victorians and abandon the unpopular Gas Substitution Roadmap to allow Victorians to choose the energy they want to use in their own homes and businesses."
Recent JWS Research polling commissioned by Australian Energy Producers shows strong support for natural gas remaining part of the state’s energy mix, with 83 per cent of Victorians recognising its future role, 82 per cent supporting household choice between gas and electricity, and 75 per cent backing greater development of local gas supply.
The polling also shows that 62% of Victorians support the Victorian Government doing more to fast-track local gas projects to improve future energy security.
Mr Kos said the Victorian gas industry contributes $22 billion in direct annual economic activity and supports 40,000 jobs across the state.
“Victoria has been producing natural gas from the Gippsland and Otway basins for six decades and has enough undeveloped gas to meet state gas demand for at least another 25 years.
“We look forward to working with Minister Symes and the government to secure investment in the natural gas supply that Victorian households and manufacturers rely on every day.”
