Victorians back natural gas and greater energy choice, new polling finds

New polling has found Victorian voters overwhelmingly support the continued use of natural gas, with strong backing for more local gas development, faster project approvals and consumer energy choice.

The poll conducted by JWS Research found 83% of Victorian voters believe natural gas has a role in Victoria's future energy mix, 82% say households should be free to choose between gas and electricity for cooking, heating and hot water, and 80% recognise natural gas as important to Victoria's economy.

The polling also found 78% recognise natural gas as important to Victoria's energy security, 77% agree households and businesses should have access to all energy sources, including natural gas, and 75% support developing more local gas rather than relying on supply from interstate or imports from overseas.

Australian Energy Producers Victoria Director Peter Kos said the results sent a clear message that Victorians want natural gas to remain part of the state’s energy future.

“Natural gas from Gippsland and the Otway basins has been an important part of Victoria and the southern states' energy security for six decades," Mr Kos said.

"These polling results show Victorians recognise the important role natural gas plays in delivering reliable and affordable energy and they want to see that continue.

"Four in five Victorian homes are connected to natural gas, with Victorians relying on it every day for cooking and heating, while it also generates reliable electricity and underpins our manufacturing sector.

"As we head towards the Victorian election, all parties should be putting forward policies that encourage investment, support more local gas development and protect consumer energy choice. That's the clear message from Victorians, and it's the best way to strengthen the state's long-term energy security."

The Victorian gas industry contributes $22 billion in direct annual economic activity and supports 40,000 jobs across the state. All gas produced in Victoria is for the domestic market.

Polling results

Residential use of gas

• 82% agree households should be free to choose between gas and electricity for cooking, heating and hot water.
• 80% support being able to choose between gas and electric alternatives when replacing existing gas appliances.
• 77% agree households and businesses should have access to all energy sources, including natural gas.
• 71% believe people should be allowed to install gas connections in new homes if they choose.
• 58% oppose the Victorian Government's ban on gas connections in new homes and only 26% support it.
• 58% oppose the requirement to replace gas hot water systems with electric alternatives from March 2027 and only 26% support it.
• 54% would be more likely to vote for a candidate who supports consumer choice between gas and electricity with only 8% not likely.
• 52% would be more likely to vote for a candidate who supports the continued use of natural gas with only 13% less likely.

Natural gas industry

• 83% believe natural gas has a role in Victoria's future energy mix.
• 80% recognise natural gas as important to Victoria's economy.
• 78% recognise natural gas as important to Victoria's energy security.
• 75% support Victoria developing its own local natural gas supplies rather than importing gas from interstate or overseas.
• 75% support more oil production to improve Victoria's liquid fuel security.
• 62% support the Victorian Government doing more to fast-track local gas projects to improve future energy security.
• 58% support the natural gas industry in Victoria and only 16% oppose it.