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Rural power charges unacceptable

Unfair prices shock consumers.

By ABC online - 7th November 2000 - Back to News

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• Rural aid volunteers commended for supporting flood-hit farmers in East Gippsland
  Rural Aid volunteers praised for assisting flood-affected Snowy River farmers near Orbost, with tasks including maintenance, fencing, and planting. East Gippsland Shire Council Mayor lauds their solidarity and dedication.
• Rural Land Use Strategy to be consider by East Gippsland Shire Council with aim to balance agricultural support and environmental protection
  East Gippsland Shire Council will reconsider a draft Rural Land Use Strategy to support agriculture while protecting the environment. The strategy allows for dwellings if necessary for farming activities.
• Rural Land Use Strategy adopted by East Gippsland Shire Council to support farming communities and protect agricultural land for future
  Wellington Shire seeks community input on 'Our Culture, Our Place' Arts and Culture Strategy through surveys and discussion groups until August 31, 2023. Participate online or at local venues.
• Rural and remote Gippsland residents are encouraged to complete mobile coverage reliability survey by 12 March 2023
  Leader of The Nationals David Littleproud is calling for government intervention to ensure Australians in regional and remote areas have adequate mobile coverage, because telcos have failed to provide an adequate service.
• Southern Rural Water celebrates International Day of Rural Women with Field Officer Jules Shaw on 15 October 2022
  October 15 is International Day of Rural Women. First observed in 2008, it recognises the essential role women play in agriculture and food systems of the world.
• Southern Rural Water aims to revolutionise groundwater management across Gippsland with GM2030
  Collaborative efforts between Southern Rural Water, DEECA, and stakeholders focus on sustainable groundwater management for regional communities, considering climate change, allocation policies, and resource protection.
• Gippsland rural communities urged to report sightings and stock kills by wild dogs so accurate data kept to maintain control on public land
  Gippsland East Nationals MP, Tim Bull, warned of the threat to wild dog controls on public land, urging rural communities to report sightings and stock kills promptly to maintain control measures.
• Southern Rural Water celebrates International Women's Day 2023
  Southern Rural Water celebrates International Women's Day, with stories of achievements as role models for others.
• Annual rural road spray sealing program set to start in Bass Coast Shire from on 21 November 2022
  Bass Coast Shire Council has engaged Fulton Hogan Industries Pty Ltd to complete the works, as part of the 2022-23 Capital works program.
• Gippsland rural airstrips and aerodromes can apply for grants of between $5,000 and $3M from federal Remote Airstrip Upgrade Program
  The guidelines for round nine of the federal government,s Remote Airstrip Upgrade program have now been released.
• Southern Rural Water modernisation of water infrastructure to help Gippsland dairy farmers in 2023 and beyond
  How modernising water infrastructure helps young dairy farmers.
• Tim Bull urges farmers and rural communities to have their say on the draft Animal Care and Protection Bill by 8 March 2024
  Farmers and rural communities to provide input on the Animal Care and Protection Bill proposed by the Allan Labor government, addressing animal welfare without solely appeasing extreme activist views.
• East Gippsland rural and housing issues community feedback sought by 3 February 2023
  East Gippsland Shire Council has welcomed community feedback to date on two important plans to guide the future of rural land use and the growth of towns in East Gippsland over the next 20 years.
• Applications for new members for Rural Engagement Group to help shape future of agriculture for Bass Coast Shire close by 31 May 2023
  Bass Coast seeks members for Rural Engagement Group advising council on agriculture. Significant contributions made, meets quarterly for networking and strategic advice. Two-year minimum term from 2024.
• Jason Miller from Southern Rural Water creates winning water solution with help of Maffra Sheet Metal
  A metering officer at Southern Rural Water has designed a water meter bracket to be made by a regional Victorian steel fabricator that will improve the roll out of automated reading of water meters across southern Victoria.
• Newry pipeline project by Southern Rural Water supports agricultural resilience of Gippsland Macalister Irrigation District
  Southern Rural Water Newry pipeline project benefits the local economy, employs locals, and supports agricultural resilience in Gippsland's Macalister Irrigation District.
• Federal Coalition will help ensure rural and regional are getting doctors and nurses back to regional Australian
  Rural and regional communities will receive a boost to their health thanks to new reforms championed by the Liberal and National parties.
• Newry Pipeline upgrade by Southern Rural Water boosts Gippsland farming by enhancing efficiency and resilience
  Southern Rural Water completes Newry Pipeline upgrade, enhancing Gippsland farming prospects. Part of a broader modernization effort, it fosters efficiency, productivity, and climate resilience. Jointly funded, it promises lasting benefits.
• Feedback invited on Rural Land Use Strategy from East Gippsland Shire Council
  Council inviting the community to send their feedback for the rural land use strategy.
• East Gippsland Water teams up with Southern Rural Water to promote National Water Week primary school poster competition for October 2022
  East Gippsland Water is partnering with Southern Rural Water for this year's National Water Week primary school poster competition - with gift vouchers and fun science-based prizes up for grabs!
• Bass Coast Council has new rural tourism strategy to boost region post-COVID
  New rural tourism strategy adopted by Bass Coast Shire Council to aid COVID-19 recovery and boost economy.
• Power Saving Bonus program for 2023 encouraged by Danny O'Brien but not long-term solution
  New Power Saving Bonus program offers $250 to Victorian energy account holders, encouraged by Danny O'Brien but not a permanent fix.
• Macalister Fresh project starts as part of the Southern Rural Water delivery 2030 strategy with $660k funding from Victorian government
  Southern Rural Water is collaborating with stakeholders to devise a visionary water strategy for Gippsland's future, building upon past investments and envisioning growth opportunities.
• Community input wanted on housing and rural land use to best accommodate growing population by East Gippsland Council
  Strategies aim to balance growth with preservation, improve towns, and optimise services while minimising costs to the community.
• Victorian power prices surge 9% and worsening energy poverty in defiance of Allen Labor government claims of reduction
  Victorian power prices surge 9%, contradicting government claims of reduction, says Martin Cameron, Nationals Member for Morwell. Residents face rising bills, worsening energy poverty.
• Rising power prices impacting Gippsland dairy farmers and agricultural producers
  Despite the unusual snowfall in Warragul, high power prices affect dairy farmers and businesses, increasing production costs and impacting the community.
• New online water trading platform called Southern Rural Water Exchange launched to better manage water in Macalister Irrigation District
  A new online water trading platform offers the Macalister Irrigation District access to efficiently manage water sales and trades, benefiting agricultural operations.
• Tim Bull urges Andrews Labor government to retain rural frontline workers and not cut public service in cities
  Tim Bull, Nationals Member for Gippsland East, urges Daniel Andrews to retain rural frontline workers as public service staff face 10 percent cuts in the upcoming state budget. He suggests bureaucratic costs in the city should be cut instead.
• Celebrating Nicole Saunders on International Day of Rural Women as thriving farmer and entrepreneur in Tinamba
  Celebrating International Day of Rural Women, Nicole Saunders, a thriving farmer from Tinamba, Australia, underlines the agricultural potential in the Macalister Irrigation District.
• Three coal-fired power stations closing without replacement will only exacerbating energy market issues
  Three coal-fired power stations close without replacement, exacerbating energy market issues. Australia's reliance on private investment and lagging infrastructure jeopardises energy security, risking blackouts and hindering sustainability.
• Victorian power crisis raise need for National Energy Summit and nuclear discussion to address grid vulnerabilities
  David Littleproud advocates for nuclear, citing transmission line vulnerabilities. Urges National Energy Summit for diverse energy discussion. Criticises Labor's renewables push amid power crisis.
• Blue Rock boating upgrade part of Southern Rural Water Recreational Boating Action Plan 2022-23
  The Minister for Fishing and Boating, the Hon. Sonya Kilkenny MP, announced funding to upgrade two boat ramps at popular Southern Rural Water recreational areas.
• Victorian power saving bonus of $250 extended until 30 June 2022
  The Victorian Government is extending the popular $250 Power Saving Bonus payment to support more vulnerable households doing it tough with energy bills.
• Country drivers in danger from hazards on rural roads from Andrews Labor government budget cuts
  Labor government's cut on the road maintenance neglect on the country road asset maintenance has left the country roads neglected.
• Biosecurity Protection Levy opposed by Russell Broadbent as it harms rural communities and calls for fairer alternatives to support farmers
  Russell Broadbent criticises the Biosecurity Protection Levy, stating it harms struggling rural communities and urges reconsideration for a fairer, transparent approach.
• Community feedback wanted on draft Unlocking Rural Tourism Strategy 2022 by Bass Coast Council
  Bass Coast Shire Council is seeking feedback on its draft Unlocking Rural Tourism Strategy.
• Spill declared in Macalister Irrigation District (MID) by Southern Rural Water and in review until 20 September 2022
  Southern Rural Water declared a spill in the Macalister Irrigation District (MID) on Tuesday 5 September that will be reviewed until Tuesday, 20 September.
• Gippsland students can apply for up to $18,000 assistance via Rural and Regional Enterprise Scholarships (RRES) program
  Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester is encouraging local students needing financial assistance to apply for round six of the Rural and Regional Enterprise Scholarships (RRES) program.
• Victoria needs positive plan to rebuild rural healthcare in regions like Gippsland
  Due to the challenges of the pandemic and workforce isolation requirements on our hospitals, suggests making changes to government legislation and funding criteria for better mental health services.
• Winners announced for Power of Words writing competition held by Latrobe City libraries
  Results for Latrobe City Libraries 'Power of Words' writing competition announced.
• Early closure of coal-fired power station AGL Loy Yang requires considered transition for Latrobe Valley and Victoria
  With Loy Yang A to close by 2035, a decade earlier than expected, Latrobe City Council is standing by its community as it faces resulting in massive job loss.
• Australian Federal Police gets extended power for another 12 months by Federal parliament via Counter-Terrorism Legislation Amendment
  Parliament deciding to extend the legislative powers given to Australian Federal Police for another 12 months.
• Plan for real solutions to tackle power crisis and cost of living by Victorian Liberal and Nationals for 2022 election
  Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull is pleased to share the Liberal and Nationals real solutions towards tackling the power crisis and cost of living challenges, facing Victorians in the coming years.
• Wellington Shire Council aids recovery from power outages and partners with local groups to offer essential services in affected areas
  Wellington Shire Council collaborates with local groups to aid recovery from power outages, offering essential services like free meals, 24/7 access to facilities, and phone charging stations in affected areas.
• Traralgon and Warragul to benefit from Andrews Victorian government rural residential aged care facilities renewal program
  The Victorian Government is upgrading public sector residential aged care services across Eastern Victoria, creating new jobs and ensuring hundreds of older Victorians continue to receive the care and comfort they deserve.
• Gippslanders are urged to claim $250 Power Saving Bonus as living costs continue to rise
  Local residents should apply for the $250 Power Saving Bonus to help with rising power bills. Eligible households are urged to take advantage of the latest round.
• World Milk Day celebrated by Southern Rural Water on 1 June 2023
  On World Milk Day, we celebrate dairy farmers and their contribution to quality milk production, supporting farmers with water resources for healthy herds and productivity.
• Victoria launches $150M Regional Worker Accommodation Fund for grants to aid rural workforce with affordable housing
  Victoria launches $150 million Regional Worker Accommodation Fund, grants aiding affordable housing for rural workforce. Additional funds support tiny towns and community projects in rural and regional areas.
• Westpac deciding to keep Sale branch is win for community and shows pressure works to keep rural and regional banking services local
  While Westpac's decision to retain the Sale branch is a win, innovative solutions are still needed for rural and regional customers. The Senate inquiry is exploring options for service delivery guarantees and additional regulations.
• Wonthaggi Children's Centre slashes electricity bill after installation of solar power system with funding from Sustainability Victoria and Bass Coast Council
  Installation of a 15.98 kW solar power system in Bass Coast Children's Centre in Wonthaggi in November 2022 gave a 54% decrease on their electricity bill.
• Lerderderg Weir to get gate upgrade to allow for remote operation from Southern Rural Water to enhance safety and efficiency
  Upgrading Lerderderg Weir gates allows remote operation for safety during extreme weather, improving water level management. Works to be completed by October.
• State fees and charges to be increased by Andrews Labor government from 1 July driving new level of financial anxiety for Victorians
  Since 2013-14, Victorian tax revenue has increased by an eye-watering 80 percent from $16.9 billion to a forecast $30.5 billion in 2022-23, now there's even more pain to come for Victorian from the Labor government's mismanagement.
• Department of Veterans Affairs Gold Card can apply for $250 Power Saving Bonus from Victorian government until 31 January 2022
  Calling on the eligible residents to send their application for the rebates they can receive as power saving bonus from the government.
• Melina Bath urges deeper cost-of-living exploration for Gippslanders rather than forcing price caps on rural businesses at end of supply chain
  Melina Bath criticises the Greens' motion on price caps, emphasising rural challenges in food supply chains and impact on local businesses, advocating for a deeper investigation into cost-of-living issues.
• Exploring nuclear energy as viable solution to rising power costs and achieving sustainable net zero
  Constituents concerned about rising power costs, especially with gas bans in 2024. Urgent need for nuclear energy discussion for sustainable solutions, logic in energy planning, and achieving net zero.
• Wellington Shire Council repurposes $100,000 surplus solar power equipment into community facilities and infrastructure projects
  Wellington Shire Council transforms excess Aqua Energy equipment, such as solar panels, fostering sustainability and efficiency in community facilities and infrastructure projects.
• Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Closing Loopholes) Bill 2023 shifts power to unions and negatively affect casual workers and gig economy workers
  Highlighting concerns from various business organisations and supporting splitting the bill for a more comprehensive evaluation.
• Rising crime rates in Gippsland shows Victoria Labor government needs to boost rural police presence and resources
  O'Brien, argues that insufficient police resources are contributing to this problem and that the government's urban-focused approach is neglecting rural community safety.
• Mallacoota Gun Club gets $9000 for new solar power system from federal government funding
  Funding for the re-establishment of the facility.
• Wellington Shire Council embraces renewable energy initiatives with Kirsten Power as Business Facilitation and Leveraging Officer
  Council embraces renewable energy initiatives with Kirsten Power as Business Facilitation and Leveraging Officer. Key focus: economic growth, community engagement, and responsible transmission infrastructure.
• Martin Cameron urges Victorian government to expand aid beyond current power outage relief as Gippsland residents struggle
  Following Victoria's storms Martin Cameron, urges the state to broaden financial aid beyond Labor's seven-day power outage relief, emphasising the plight of those, including pensioners, unable to afford food replacement.
• Lucknow Recreation Reserve clubrooms gets $42,000 for Tesla solar power and batteries from Gippsland Climate Change Network
  Installation of energy storage battery at Lucknow Recreation Reserve clubrooms that will help save money on electricity cost and reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
• Relief for storm affected and areas of power outage in Wellington Shire
  The Wellington community has come together to provide assistance in various ways to help other community members.
• Why we should build the very best efficient coal-fired power stations we can in Latrobe Valley
  Praise for Lingiari MP's performance. Emphasises regional contributions, concerns over energy policy, and the need for efficient coal-fired power stations. Advocates for utilising available resources.
• Public input denied by Andrews Labor government rejecting inquiry into deteriorating roads in rural and regional Victoria
  The Andrews Labor government, with crossbench support, rejected an inquiry into the poor state of roads in rural and regional Victoria, drawing criticism from Melina Bath for neglecting road safety and maintenance.
• Gippsland agricultural and pastoral societies grants of up to $10,000 available until 13 October 2023 to support rural events and infrastructure
  Local agricultural and pastoral societies can apply for grants up to $10,000 to support rural shows and event infrastructure. Nationals MP Tim Bull emphasises their importance for regional communities.
• SEC equates to 'Soaring Energy Costs' as Victorian power bills surged by 25% says Tim Bull
  After pledging SEC revival to reduce electricity costs, Victorian bills surged 25%. MPs criticise Labor's unmet promises, dubbing it 'Soaring Energy Costs.' Concerns over managing household expenses amid energy transitions.
• Australians must oppose Labor bill that restricts free speech, unchecks bureaucratic power, legalises surveillance and censorship
  Labor's censorship bill threatens free speech, grants unchecked power to bureaucrats, and legalises surveillance and censorship. Australians must oppose this dangerous legislation that stifles dissenting voices and undermines democracy.
• Better communication from AusNet and Telstra during post-power outages demanded by Tim Bull
  Gippsland East Nationals MP Tim Bull seeks improved communication from essential service providers like AusNet and Telstra following recent power outages, citing inaccuracies and lack of information. Meetings with providers planned.
• Wet summer forecasted for Gippsland by Southern Rural Water
  Summer is forecast to bring above average rainfall across Southern Rural Water's service area. It will be like the high rainfall that saturated catchments in spring, leading to minor and moderate flooding in several river systems.
• To avoid disillusionment in Federal Labour government its housing and power promises must be fulfilled
  Government must fulfil housing and power promises post-election to avoid disillusionment. Citizens, facing rising expenses, seek accountability. Broken trust leads to electoral repercussions amid financial strain.
• East Gippsland residents encouraged to apply for new $250 Power Saving Bonus from 1 July 2022
  Nationals Member for Gippsland East Tim Bull has encouraged all eligible East Gippsland residents to apply for the new $250 Power Saving Bonus (PSB).
• Review of 2022 achievements and big wins 2022 for Southern Rural Water
  Southern Rural Water celebrates their achievements in the year 2022.
• Latrobe City Transition Taskforce starts on plan to move away from traditional power generation and a reduced timber industry
  Taskforce establishment to plan for the economic diversification and investment opportunirties.
• Telstra CEO Vicky Brady urged to prioritise disaster resilience and increasing service coverage for rural areas by Darren Chester
  Darren Chester, Federal Member for Gippsland, urged Telstra CEO Vicky Brady to prioritise disaster resilience and telecommunications coverage during her visit, emphasising the social and economic benefits for rural areas.
• Affordability worsens under Andrews Labor government as increased taxes and charges impact rent, utilities, groceries and other living expenses
  Increased taxes and charges in Victoria worsen affordability of essential goods and services, leading to financial strain on households.
• Proposed irrigation development project for Macalister and Avon by Southern Rural Water
  Southern Rural Water has appointed a consortium of consultants, led by SMEC, to investigate the potential of developing irrigated agriculture in an area east of the Avon River.
• No boating activity allowed at Lake Glenmaggiee unless exempted by Southern Rural Water
  Southern Rural Water, as the declared waterway manager for Lake Glenmaggie, makes the following declaration under section 203(3) of the Marine Safety Act 2010(Vic).
• Latrobe Regional Gallery to hold exhibition for eight-metre wide painting reflecting iconic Hazelwood Power Station from 2 April to 10 July 2022
  A new exhibition at Latrobe Regional Gallery (LRG) reflects on the role the iconic Hazelwood Power Station had in the lives of Latrobe City locals over several generations.
• Gippsland will have a drier than average autumn in 2023 reports Southern Rural Water
  Southern Rural Water's season outlook - a dry autumn ahead.
• Wellington shire businesses eligible for disaster power outage payments
  Financial assistance is now available for businesses in Wellington that experienced prolonged power outages after severe storms on October 29, 2021.
• How Gippsland water supply is balanced by with community safety explained by Southern Rural Water
  Southern Rural Water explains how they manage water supply and flow as well as community safety.
• Remembrance Day 2022 celebrated Southern Rural Water
  Today we pause, honour, and remember all Australians who have served in our country's Defence Forces.
• Gippslanders urged to negotiate with energy providers for better deals and utilise $250 Power Saving Bonus by Danny O'Brien
  O'Brien encouraged residents to negotiate with energy providers for better deals, utilising the $250 Power Saving Bonus (ending on August 31, 2023).
• Feasibility study for irrigated agriculture east of Avon River progressing well says Southern Rural Water
  Southern Rural Water and DELWP are conducting a feasibility study for irrigated agriculture east of Avon River, led by SMEC, with a focus on supply, environment, cost and customer impacts. A review is expected by mid-2023.
• Plan to bring back the SEC unravels on Andrews Labor government as interim CEO confirms power prices will rise substantially
  Andrews' SEC plan unravels: adviser quits, prices rise. Labor's claims are dismissed as lies. Inadequate budget, vague promises. Ignoring experts, increasing bills. Latrobe Valley rejects stunt.
• Victorians being punished with soaring taxes and charges by Andrews Labor government incompetence
  Under Labor, Victorians face escalating taxes, rising costs of living, and increased financial strain on renters.
• Alcoa groundwater licence application for short-term amendment to extend a pumping trial refused by Southern Rural Water
  Southern Rural Water (SRW) has refused an application made for a short-term amendment to extend a pumping trial under existing groundwater licence at Anglesea.
• Baw Baw Shire Council proudly backs Live4Life program to help improve mental wellbeing among rural youth
  Council backs Live4Life, a youth-focused program aiding rural mental health. It celebrates milestones, fosters connections, and educates young minds on mental health support, aiming for wider community involvement.
• Latrobe Valley residents encouraged to complete cost of living survey to show they face highest power bills in Victoria
  Latrobe Valley residents face highest power bills in Victoria, demanding immediate action from Andrews Labor government, says Nationals' Martin Cameron, amid financial struggles and tax concerns.
• East Gippsland Water maintained uninterrupted water and wastewater services amidst power and mobile outages
  Despite recent severe weather, East Gippsland Water ensured continuous water and wastewater services. Crews tirelessly worked through power and mobile outages, managing pump stations and generators, ensuring operations and customer satisfaction.
• Lake Glenmaggie boating activity exemption notice from Southern Rural Water
  Boating activity exemption at Lake Glenmaggie from Southern Rural Water.
• How water is shared fairly to people explained by Southern Rural Water
  Purpose of legislation is to ensure water is efficiently used and conserved and properly managed for the benefit of all Victorians.
• Reopening of prolonged outage program was called out by Mr Northe as some residents still have no power after five days
  Member for Morwell Russell Northe has called upon the State Government to reopen the Prolonged Power Outage Program to assist residents who have been without power for many days and since storms battered parts of the State last Friday.
• Latrobe City Council submits to inquiry into impacts of Hazelwood and Yallourn power stations closures
  Latrobe City Council will advocate for greater Government support for the municipality to help the region transition with less power stations.
• Live4Life youth mental health program launches in Latrobe Valley in 2024 courtesy of Latrobe Health Assembly
  Live4Life unites rural communities, offering mental health education, reducing stigma, empowering youth leaders, and preventing crises. Latrobe Health Assembly leads this innovative, community-focused initiative.
• Latrobe City Council calls to preserve Lake Narracan following the closure of Yallourn Power Station in 2028
  Latrobe City Council will make a submission to the State Government calling to preserve Lake Narracan's weir and water levels following the closure of Yallourn Power Station in 2028.
• East Gippsland Festivals and Raymond Island Community Association get $32,100 funding from Foundation for Regional & Rural Renewal
  East Gippsland Festivals and Raymond Island Community Association received $32,100 in grants from the Foundation for Regional & Rural Renewal for local projects.