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Positive response on biomass generationThe Member for Eastern Victoria, Philip Davis, says recent changes to federal and state government policy have cleared the way for energy generation using forest waste in East Gippsland. By Kevin Balshaw - 10th February 2010 - Back to News The Member for Eastern Victoria, Philip Davis, says recent changes to federal and state government policy have cleared the way for energy generation using forest waste in East Gippsland.
In Parliament at the end of last year Mr Davis asked the Victorian Government to introduce a policy including initiatives to support the establishment of biomass projects.
The Government’s formal response, tabled in Parliament this week, says it supports renewable energy including bioenergy, recognising it can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, create large numbers of skilled jobs and provide a sustainable supply of energy.
Mr Davis said in the meantime the new Victorian timber industry strategy had committed support for a national approach to the use of native forest wood waste for energy production, consistent with the Federal Government’s expanded Renewable Energy Target (RET) scheme.
He said the two keys to the supportive approach to biomass generation were expansion of the national RET with an objective to produce 20% of Australia’s energy supply from renewable sources by 2020 and the passing of legislation at the end of last year to transition Victoria’s RET scheme into the national scheme from later this year.
Accordingly, the timber strategy provides that native forest wood waste can now be used for renewable energy generation in Victoria subject to appropriate carbon accounting and provided the waste is a by-product of timber industry harvesting.
In its response to Mr Davis, the Government says it is actively promoting bioenergy through the Victorian Bioenergy Network, and its Regional Development Victoria agency is encouraging bioenergy projects in country areas.
Additionally, the expanded national RET scheme provides that wood waste is an eligible renewable energy source.
Mr Davis believes the development of a biomass generator is a real prospect for Orbost.
"The far East Gippsland region, centred on Orbost, would stand to benefit significantly from the economic activity, additional skilled jobs and more reliable electricity supply arising from the establishment of a biomass generator," he said.
"A biomass plant would use waste from harvesting for the timber industry. It would also serve to reduce Victoria’s greenhouse gas emission, given that biomass produces only a fraction of the emissions of generators using fossil fuels.
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: kevin.balshaw@parliament.vic.gov.au
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Tim Bull urges Labor to halt costly brumby culling in East Gippsland, citing job losses, funding cuts, and greater threats from feral pigs, while advocating for more responsible taxpayer spending. - 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. - Tim Bull says locals and community groups want stronger enforcement as illegal campers leave areas unkempt
Tim Bull urges Environment Minister Dimopoulos to act on illegal campers along the Snowy River, balancing public access for tourists with enforcement and welfare oversight to protect local businesses. - Danny O’Brien says Crime Statistics Agency figures reveal rising serious assaults and theft across Gippsland communities
Crime is rising across Gippsland, with assaults, thefts, and burglaries increasing sharply, prompting Nationals’ Danny O’Brien to call for stronger police resourcing, law reforms, and preventative measures. - Martin Cameron says Labor fails on crime, wasting millions on machete bins instead of protecting Gippsland
Crime in Latrobe has surged under Labor, with Moe incidents up 26% and retail theft 65%. Nationals' Martin Cameron says only their Safer Communities Plan will restore safety. - Martin Cameron says new emergency services tax replaces fire levy, adding enormous pressure to struggling small businesses
Latrobe Valley small businesses face soaring costs as Labor's new Emergency Services Tax replaces the Fire Services Levy, with Nationals warning it punishes regional communities and fuels insolvencies amid financial mismanagement. - David Littleproud says new mapping reveals Labor's renewables damage, strengthening the call for nuclear energy
The Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal has accused the Albanese government of removing veterans' rights to review bravery awards, warning proposed reforms undermine fairness, independence, and recognition of Australia's war heroes. - Peri Urban Councils urge state government to invest in infrastructure and support housing growth across regions
Peri Urban Councils Victoria is urging government investment in infrastructure after a new report recommended 40% of new homes be built in regional Australia, highlighting housing demand, high costs, and infrastructure pressures. - Buchan Recreation Reserve redevelopment delivers modern pavilion, change rooms and multi-purpose community hub for future generations
Buchan Recreation Reserve redevelopment delivers modern community pavilion and sports facilities, ensuring a safe, multi-purpose hub for generations, supported by local, state and federal government investment. - Melina Bath honours Wonthaggi Rotary Club for 32 years recognising volunteers and strengthening Eastern Victoria
Melina Bath recognised Wonthaggi Rotary Club in parliament for 32 years celebrating local volunteers, presenting over 250 awards, and strengthening Eastern Victoria communities through service and dedication. - Latrobe City Council's Councillor Sharon Gibson joins Regional Cities Victoria mayors to shape 2026 regional agenda
Latrobe Mayor Sharon Gibson joins Regional Cities Victoria mayors to shape 2026 agenda, advocating sustainable growth, investment, and workforce opportunities for regional Victoria’s cities and surrounding communities. - Darren Chester warns Labor gun law changes unfairly target regions, distract from government extremism failures
Gippsland MP Darren Chester says Labor’s firearm law changes unfairly punish regional Australians, distract from failures tackling anti-Semitism and extremism, and won’t prevent terrorism like the Bondi attack tragedy violence. - Discover Buchan Caves with the underground wonders, Aboriginal heritage, and stunning East Gippsland landscapes
Explore Buchan Caves in East Gippsland, Victoria’s largest cave system, featuring ancient pillars, caverns, pools, Aboriginal heritage, scenic rivers, picnic areas, and one of Australia’s best night sky viewing spots. - Martin Cameron blasts Labor over Tyers bridge blunder, says government failed truckies and ignored safety warnings
Martin Cameron has criticised Labor after revelations the Tyers bridge weight limit remained at 30 tonnes months after upgrades, accusing the government of negligence and failing regional Victorians. - Glen Eira Sports and Aquatic Centre (Glen Eira Leisure) claim fourth consecutive victory at 2025 Life Saving Victoria Pool Lifeguard challenge
Glen Eira Leisure won the 2025 Life Saving Victoria Pool Lifeguard Challenge for the fourth consecutive year, excelling in rescue, emergency response, and team-based competitions against 23 Victorian aquatic teams.
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