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Country Victoria Still Waits For Promised Natural Gas

The Bracks Government yesterday dealt a sharp slap in the face to country Victorian towns still waiting for their promised gas connections.

By Philip Davis - 5th September 2005 - Back to News

Shadow Minister for Country Victoria Philip Davis said that although a few Yarra Ranges towns, comparatively close to Melbourne, were finally being connected, communities in remote country areas were still waiting for their natural gas.

"Prior to the 2002 election, Labor’s Minister for State and Regional Development John Brumby travelled throughout country Victoria promising gas connections left, right and centre," Mr Davis said.

"John Brumby made promises to the residents of Heywood, Smythesdale, Myrtleford, Bright, Beechworth, Nathalia, Yea, Bonnie Doon, Avoca, Terang and Wandong in November 2002. Since then, he has changed his mind announcing that Terang, Avoca and Wandong won’t be receiving natural gas after all.

"How many more similar let-downs are we going to see for country Victorian communities?

"In October 2004, the Bracks Government promised more gas connections, including those for the Yarra Ranges region, which was great news for these towns.

"But John Brumby somehow saw fit to bump Yarra Ranges to the top of the list, resulting in this region being the first recipient of gas, to the detriment of other communities that have been waiting since November 2002."

Mr Davis said time was running out for the Bracks Government to honour its commitment of delivering gas to country Victoria.

"Today marks 1008 days since the Bracks Government promised natural gas connections throughout the state," Mr Davis said.

"With just 450 days until the next State Election, John Brumby has finally announced the first connections in Yarra Ranges.

"How will John Brumby manage to meet his commitment of connecting 34 towns to natural gas by the election in 2006, when it has taken him more than 1000 days to connect the first town?

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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• Martin Cameron slams Allan Labor government over year-long failure to clarify ownership of Traralgon vacant buildings
  Nationals MP Martin Cameron criticised Labor's year-long failure to clarify ownership of Traralgon vacant buildings, after multiple ministerial referrals left residents concerned about neglect, squatters, and ongoing government inaction.
• Darren Chester slams Albanese government veterans medal review limit, undermining Tribunal independence
  Shadow Minister Darren Chester has condemned Labor's legislation imposing a 20-year limit on veterans' medal reviews, arguing it undermines the Tribunal's independence and disenfranchises veterans and families seeking fair recognition.
• Melina Bath says Labor’s energy transition mismanagement is driving higher prices and household cost-of-living pressures
  Eastern Victorian households face rising electricity and gas prices, with ABS data showing sharp increases and Labor blamed for mismanaging the energy transition.
• Tim Bull says East Gippsland faces a housing crisis, with social homes declining despite population growth
  Victoria’s social housing crisis deepens as Labor policies drive rental providers away, reducing stock. Tim Bull warns record waiting lists and rising homelessness demand urgent government action.
• Gippsland’s growth at risk without urgent government investment in housing, infrastructure, warns One Gippsland Chair
  One Gippsland warns growth could stall without urgent investment in housing and infrastructure to support workforce, energy projects, and address social, affordable housing shortages across the region.
• World Wetlands Day celebrates West Gippsland’s culturally significant wetlands and enduring traditional owner knowledge
  World Wetlands Day highlights West Gippsland’s globally significant wetlands on Bunurong and Gunaikurnai Country, celebrating traditional knowledge, heritage and efforts protecting waterways, biodiversity and Country into the future.
• Tim Bull trashes misused Treasurer’s Advance as Allan government wastes $9M on costly failed camping trial
  The Allan government spent $9 million in emergency funds on a failed free-camping trial, creating "ghost bookings" and hurting local businesses, prompting Nationals MP Tim Bull to condemn the misuse and demand accountability.
• Peri Urban Councils advocate for housing, infrastructure, and policy recognition with state government
  Peri Urban Councils Victoria met government leaders at Spring Street, advocating for housing solutions, essential infrastructure funding, and policy recognition to support rapidly growing peri urban communities sustainably.
• Yarragon’s Angela Malacarne Park wins 2025 Geographic Naming Award, celebrating local heritage and community contributions
  Yarragon’s Angela Malacarne Park, still under construction, has won the 2025 Geographic Naming Award, recognising Mrs Malacarne lifelong contributions and the community-led naming process.