Latest News

• Add My News • Search Old News

Gippsland › Latest news › Philip Davis

Greens Policy To Devastate Victorian Economy

The Victorian economy would be devastated by The Greens’ plan to decommission Hazelwood power station, Shadow Minister for Energy and Resources Philip Davis said today.

By Phillip Davis - 9th October 2006 - Back to News

The decommissioning of Hazelwood would not only result in 500 direct job losses at the power station, but also several hundred contractors.

The cost of electricity would escalate, leading to wide-spread job losses in industry throughout Victoria and higher energy costs for household consumers.

"This is yet another half-baked policy we now expect from The Greens," Mr Davis said.

"The Latrobe Valley is vital to the Victorian economy, because 97% of Victoria’s base load electricity comes from brown coal.

"Every family, business and industry in Victoria relies on electricity produced in the Latrobe Valley, of which International Power Hazelwood is an integral part.

"Hazelwood Power is a private business operating under state licences which run for decades.

"Are The Greens now proposing that State Governments should arbitrarily confiscate private assets to implement their radical policy?

"If not, are they proposing to burden Victorian tax payers with the cost of the State compulsorily acquiring the power station from International Power?

"If this was to occur, no owner of private property in Victoria could feel safe.

"This policy does not make logical or economic sense, and is simply economic vandalism."

Mr Davis said The Greens would ruin Victoria’s ability to attract investment as there would be considerable uncertainty about the role of government in interfering in the ownership of property.

"Energy supply is complex and a blanket shut-down of coal-fired power stations will not progress energy or greenhouse policy in a responsible way.

"A Liberal Government would be committed to focusing on greenhouse gas reduction strategies working with all potential energy providers but not unilaterally shutting down the Latrobe Valley power stations and consequently most of the activity in Victoria to achieve this."

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

• Victorian Health Department sets Gippsland priorities, access, workforce, safety, shared services, and mental health expansion
  The Victorian Department of Health has set four Gippsland health priorities: access, workforce, safety, and shared services, while highlighting mental health needs and significant workforce investment at Warragul's regional health leaders' forum.
• 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.
• Bass Coast Shire Council urges Victorian government, LSV to ensure lifeguard patrols continue safely, without cuts
  Bass Coast Shire Council urges Victorian government and LSV to guarantee lifeguard patrols, warning proposed funding hike strains budgets while beaches remain high-risk, with recent drownings highlighting urgent safety needs.
• 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.
• Danny O'Brien criticises Labor's fast-track renewable energy policy removing Gippslanders' right to appeal development decisions
  Danny O'Brien criticises Labor's fast-track renewable energy policy after Gelliondale Wind Farm reapplies, warning it removes Gippslanders' appeal rights, undermines safeguards, and threatens proper siting of turbines near homes.
• Have your say on the draft Roadside and Footpath Trading Policy balance road access, submit by 28 September 2025
  Baw Baw Shire Council invites feedback on its Draft Roadside and Footpath Trading Policy, aiming to balance vibrant business activity with safe pedestrian access. Consultation runs 29 August - 28 September on Baw Baw Connect.
• Community feedback wanted on East Gippsland Draft Engagement Policy to strengthen participation in local decision-making
  East Gippsland Shire Council is seeking community feedback on its draft Community Engagement Policy, inviting input through surveys, drop-in sessions, and stakeholder consultation to strengthen participation in decision-making processes.
• Shop Local in South Gippsland to strengthen community, support jobs, and keeping our economy thriving together everyday
  Shopping locally in South Gippsland strengthens our economy, supports jobs, services, and community groups. Every dollar spent locally multiplies impact, with increased spending boosting growth by millions annually. Shop Local South Gippsland.
• Wellington Shire Gippsland Regional Livestock Exchange surges ahead, handling one in 43 Victorian Cattle Sales in 2024
  Gippsland Regional Livestock Exchange recorded a remarkable 122% increase in cattle throughput last financial year, making it the highest percentage increase of any saleyard in Australia.
• Omeo Justice Precinct draft masterplan unveiled to preserve heritage, enhance community use, and boost economy
  Omeo Mountain Bike Park opens December with over 100km of world-class trails, boosting tourism, jobs, and community pride. Final touches, shuttles, and events promise an inclusive, adventure-filled destination.