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Many Left Out In Cold This Winter: IngramThe Member for Gippsland East, Craig Ingram, has called on the State Government to extend the rollout of natural gas to other towns in his electorate. By Craig Ingram - 24th May 2007 - Back to News "As the nights get colder with the onset of winter, the minds of many residents are turning towards affordable heating for their homes," Mr Ingram said today.
"In 2004, the State Government announced that Bairnsdale and Paynesville in my electorate would be provided with reticulated gas supplies as part of a statewide rollout in regional areas.
"Whilst this announcement and the delivery of the supplies have been extremely welcome, particularly for businesses like Patties Foods and many residential connections, there are many communities in my area that still do not have access to natural gas."
Speaking in Parliament on Tuesday, Mr Ingram said towns like Lakes Entrance, Orbost, Bruthen and Lindenow still do not have affordable access to heating provided by natural gas.
"Interim discussions with Envestra indicate that any further rollout is unlikely to occur unless financial incentives are provided by government," Mr Ingram told Parliament.
"The government must continue the Regional Infrastructure Development Fund program to further roll out natural gas, which brings me to my next point
"There will be many cold homes in my electorate this winter due to the government's inaction and failure to resolve the issue preventing commercial firewood cutters from earning their living and providing firewood out of state forest coupes to my communities.
"This is due to transfer of licences from Department of Sustainability and Environment to VicForests.
"No further coupes will be made available, forcing many firewood cutters to abandon their businesses.
"Firewood is a common form of heating in many country areas. It is the only form in most of these towns other than bottled LPG.
These contractors must have access to firewood coupes. These areas will be burnt in slash burns anyway and it is just a waste of a valuable resource.
"Locking these people out and leaving our elderly cold without any access to firewood is a disgrace."
Mr Ingram said residents should be aware that there are rebates available for bottled LPG heaters and gas hot water systems. Details on the rebates and eligibility criteria are available from Sustainability Victoria on 1300 363 744.
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
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