Latest News

• Add My News • Search Old News

Gippsland › Latest news › Philip Davis

Country Victorians Shiver Through Another Winter

As Victorians woke this morning to freezing temperatures, many country communities were unable to keep warm because they don’t have access to reticulated natural gas or firewood.

By Phillip Davis - 20th June 2006 - Back to News

Shadow Minister for Country Victoria Philip Davis said this winter would be particularly uncomfortable for residents of towns including Heywood, Smythesdale, Nathalia and Yea who were still waiting to hear about their natural gas connections promised by Labor leading into the 2002 election.

"As temperatures plummeted below zero early this morning, families and the elderly throughout country Victoria struggled to keep warm because the Bracks Government failed to provide them with adequate heating provisions," Mr Davis said.

"In a last minute vote-grab in the dying days before the 2002 election, Labor candidates promised gas connections throughout country Victoria.

"Four years later, many of these country towns are still without their promised connections while some communities have found that the Bracks Government only intended on connecting a portion of their towns so many have missed out.

"Avoca, Wandong, Terang, Bright, Beechworth, Myrtleford, Alexandra, Bonnie Doon, Eldorado and Porepunkah have been told their promised gas connections were nothing but an election stunt.

"But the Bracks Government lacks the courage to inform Heywood, Smythesdale, Nathalia and Yea that they are also victims of this hoax, so they continue to shiver through winter in the hope that one day they might have gas connected."

Mr Davis said country Victorians had little option when it came to heating, since the Bracks Government made it more difficult to acquire firewood.

"Country Victoria is short of firewood because the Bracks Government has established more National Parks, in particular the establishment of the Box Iron Bark National Park, resulting in a dramatic shortage of firewood in northern Victoria," he said.

"People are also excluded from areas where they previously collected firewood, due to the Bracks

Government’s inability to manage public land and prevent bushfires.

"There are many people in country areas who cannot afford bottled gas for heating and that is why they rely on firewood.

"If the Government will not replace firewood with gas, they have no other options left."

Mr Davis said the government should honour its commitment to connect gas to country Victoria.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

• Allan Labor government backs regional footy and netball with $1.5M from 2025-26 Country Football and Netball Program
  The Allan Labor government is investing $1.5 million in Morwell sports clubs through the Country Football and Netball Program, while opening new grants to upgrade regional facilities and boost community participation.
• Join Omeo's visitor economy through tourism mapping and justice precinct masterplan vision sessions on 14 September 2025
  Omeo visitor economy's future will be shaped through community sessions presenting the Tourism Ecosystem Mapping Report and Draft Justice Precinct Masterplan, highlighting heritage, recreation, and opportunities to attract investment.
• Baw Baw Shire to host community barbecues supporting farmers through 'Look Over the Farm Gate' grants
  Baw Baw Shire Council will host five community barbecues supporting farmers' wellbeing through Look Over the Farm Gate grants, offering connection, resources, and mental health support amid ongoing dry conditions.
• Baw Baw Shire Council secures funding for four key road safety projects through TAC and federal Blackspot Programs
  Baw Baw Shire Council secured TAC and Federal Blackspot funding for four key road safety projects in Warragul and Drouin, targeting high-risk areas with upgrades to improve safety for all road users.
• Free Gippsland workshop with Tony Evans on maximising dairy effluent through composting and sustainability
  Gippsland dairy farmers are invited to a free workshop with Tony Evans on effluent management, exploring composting, fermentation, and biogas to boost sustainability, save money, and reduce reliance on external nutrients.
• From Job expos to farms and sports awards connecting communities across East Gippsland through events and advocacy
  From jobs expos to farm visits, sports awards, and community projects, recent weeks highlighted East Gippsland's talent, resilience, and collaboration, advocacy, and opportunities that strengthen local communities.
• Bass Coast celebrates Victorian Seniors Festival this October with events, workshops, performances and community connection
  The Victorian Seniors Festival returns to Bass Coast this October with the theme Connect, Create, Celebrate, offering workshops, performances, games, tours, and free transport for Seniors Card holders.