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Energy reliability blocked despite warnings of blackouts amidst renewable push and rising costs by Andrews Labor government

In State Parliament, Melina Bath's energy reliability motion was blocked by the Andrews Government and Labor, despite warnings of blackouts from AEMO due to renewable energy delays. Victoria faces energy challenges.

By news@gippsland - 7th September 2023 - Back to News

An upper house motion on energy reliability moved by The Nationals Member for Eastern Victoria, Melina Bath has been blocked by the Andrews government and cross bench MP's in State Parliament. Ms Bath's motion was voted down by Labor the day before Australia Energy Operator AEMO warned Victoria is now at high risk of rolling blackouts this summer due to constant delays and disruptions to renewable energy production.

Melina Bath argued that Labor's lack of a reliable, affordable energy plan has caused a 25% rise in electricity prices, burdening Victorians

Energy transition concerns

AEMO said Victoria needed "urgent and ongoing investment needed to maintain energy reliability". Ms Bath said she debated the energy reliability motion as Labor had failed to produce an energy plan that delivers reliable and affordable energy for all Victorians.

"Labor is blindly ploughing ahead with a rapid transition to renewables without secured investment or contracts for new energy projects, let alone a timeline to secure the necessary transmission infrastructure. The next 10 years in Victoria will be ominous with respect to energy security because there is no detailed plan for transition."

"Our energy transition must be undertaken responsibly, with all options considered in an environmentally responsible way. The volatility of Victoria's energy supply is highly concerning from forcing early closures of power stations - heading into summer there's no guarantee Victoria will be able to keep the lights on," Ms Bath said.

Power station closure impact

Producing 20 percent of Victoria's electricity supplies Yallourn Power Station will close in 2028, while Loy Yang A, Victoria's largest power station producing 30 percent of the state's energy supplies will now close in 2035.

Ms Bath said electricity prices have risen 25 per cent this year and Victorians are struggling to make ends meet due to rising cost of living pressures. "The Andrews government went to last election spruiking they'll lower energy bills, but in stark contrast costs have skyrocketed putting significant pressure on families."

Call for energy assurance

Ms Bath also said, "Victorians consumers are paying more and receiving much less due to Labor's failed policy. The reestablishment of the SEC remains a fanciful pipedream 10 months post announcement - it is a headline with no identified projects or funding partners for its delivery."

"Victorian's need a government to guarantee the delivery of a secure and affordable energy supply without the spin. The only outcome Labor has delivered is sky high bills and an unreliable energy grid teetering on a knife's edge."

"The state desperately needs a common sense strategy to build new energy generation and upgrade Victoria's transmission network, so households and businesses have access to clean, affordable and reliable power," said Ms Bath.

Pictures from East Gippsland Water Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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• David Littleproud urges Australians to support local farmers amid rising imported food and supermarket pressures
  Nationals Leader David Littleproud urges Australians to buy local food as farmers face soaring costs, supermarket pressures, and rising imports, warning inaction threatens food security and the future of Australian agriculture.
• Martin Cameron says Yallourn job cuts devastate workers and mark first blow in Power Station closure
  Up to 40 Yallourn Power Station jobs will be cut by 2025, sparking concern from Martin Cameron over Labor's failure to support the Latrobe Valley through the energy transition.
• Victoria’s crime crisis worsens as police numbers fall, offences rise, and station hours are reduced under Labor government
  Victoria’s crime crisis worsens under Labor with 368 fewer police, rising offences, unsolved cases, reduced station hours, and retail theft surging, prompting calls for proper resourcing and crime prevention.
• Melina Bath encourages increased funding for regional palliative care, ensuring dignity and support statewide
  Melina Bath warned underfunded regional palliative care forces terminally ill Victorians into hospitals instead of home, calling for urgent investment to ensure dignity, support, and equal access across eastern Victoria.
• 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.
• Melina Bath celebrates Victorian farmers’ dedication and contributions during National Agriculture Week 2025
  The Nationals’ Melina Bath highlights Victorian farmers’ hard work, resilience, and vital contributions during National Agriculture Week, urging support for primary producers and celebrating their role in communities and the economy.
• David Littleproud warns vegetable growers of crisis as compliance costs soar, confidence collapses and exits loom
  Nationals leader David Littleproud warns Australia's food security is at risk, with two in five growers considering leaving amid rising compliance costs, financial strain, and Labor policies undermining farming viability.
• Melina Bath urges eastern Victoria residents to prepare properties and plans for heightened bushfire risk this summer
  The Nationals’ Melina Bath urges eastern Victoria residents to prepare properties, review Bushfire Survival Plans, and stay informed to reduce risk and protect families, pets, and communities this summer.
• East Gippsland Agricultural Sector Advisory Committee welcomes new members to strengthen engagement with farming
  East Gippsland's Agricultural Sector Advisory Committee welcomed new members, enhancing council's connection with farming communities while tackling key priorities like renewable energy, drought resilience, mental health, and pest animal challenges.
• Melina Bath urges communities to honour veterans' families and support Legacy Week fundraising efforts
  Melina Bath urges communities to support Legacy Week, honouring veterans' families. Funds raised provide financial, educational and emotional support, continuing Sir Stanley Savige's century-old vision of care, compassion and mateship.
• Melina Bath says Indigenous burning and broad-scale fuel reduction are vital for proactive bushfire prevention
  Victoria’s fire season begins amid total bans, with experts warning mismanaged forests and inadequate fuel reduction under Labor leave communities exposed to devastating megafires.
• Melina Bath appointed Shadow Minister for Outdoor Recreation, championing regional lifestyles and economic opportunities
  Melina Bath has been appointed Shadow Minister for Outdoor Recreation, pledging to champion outdoor access, community wellbeing, and the vital economic and lifestyle benefits outdoor activities bring to regional Victoria.
• Melina Bath urges action on Gippsland youth crime with tougher penalties, stronger policing, and restored diversion funding
  Melina Bath has demanded urgent action on Gippsland's escalating youth crime, calling for tougher penalties, stronger police presence, and restored diversion program funding to protect communities and restore safety.
• Melina Bath encourages groups to apply for grants supporting veterans and restoring community memorials by 3 February 2026
  Melina Bath backs local organisations to apply for grants supporting veterans, with funding available for facility upgrades and restoring community war memorials. Applications close 3 February 2026.
• Danny O'Brien welcomes progress on Sealers Cove track repairs but slams years of Labor delays at Wilsons Prom
  Danny O'Brien welcomed long-overdue progress on Sealers Cove track repairs at Wilsons Prom but criticised Labor for years of delays, saying Gippsland deserves timely investment in vital tourism infrastructure and facilities.
• Melina Bath urges parents, carers, and educators to provide submissions to improve child safety by 30 November 2025
  Victoria's Child Safety Inquiry calls for public submissions to investigate early childhood education failures, restore family confidence, and recommend reforms ensuring children receive safe, high-quality care and protection.
• Melina Bath thanks community for support, generosity, and resilience during festive season and year’s end
  Marking the festive season, I thank eastern Victoria’s community for generosity, resilience, and support, celebrating local businesses, families, and volunteers while wishing everyone a safe, joyful, and prosperous 2026.
• Discover Blue Pool in Briagolong State Forest with nature, water fun, walks, and local gems
  Blue Pool in Briagolong State Forest offers swimming, walking trails, and camping, with nearby pubs, breweries, and attractions providing a perfect Gippsland getaway for nature, adventure, and local experiences.
• Discover Blue Pool in Briagolong State Forest with nature, water fun, walks, and local gems
  Blue Pool in Briagolong State Forest offers swimming, walking trails, and camping, with nearby pubs, breweries, and attractions providing a perfect Gippsland getaway for nature, adventure, and local experiences.
• Six-year Thurra River campground closure triggers renewed demands for urgent government action before summer
  Tim Bull says East Gippslanders face another summer without Thurra River’s main campground, urging the Minister to expedite long-delayed approvals after six years, stressing local businesses rely on its reopening.