Survey says take the foot off the gas

THIS winter, Environment Victoria volunteers in the Ballarat region surveyed residents about gas energy.

The aim of the consultation has been to collate feedback on the State’s Gas Substitution Roadmap, and whether Victoria should steer away from gas use, for affordability and environmental sustainability reasons.

Volunteer Liz Wade said results reported a “loud” collective message that community members want to go electric.

“With new homes unable to connect to gas from January 2024, we need a clear pathway for the remainder of the community to make the switch to electric homes,” she said.

“The overwhelming majority of local people want policies to support residents to replace gas appliances with efficient electric alternatives as those appliances reach the end of their life, in an affordable way.

“Sixty-six per cent are wanting financial support like rebates and interest-free loans for electric appliances, and a further 48 per cent need more accessible information about how to make the switch.

“Historically Victoria had vast gas reserves in Bass Strait, today gas prices are linked to the global market and are no longer cheap.

“Gas extraction is having a negative impact on the environment, and we now recognise that burning gas in our homes can be hazardous to our health.”

The volunteer group recently visited Parliament House in Melbourne and presented the Central Victorian survey results to the Member for Wendouree, Julianna Addison, the Member for Eureka, Michaela Settle, and the Member for Ripon, Martha Haylett, on the iconic Spring Street steps.

“While we were at parliament, we also had the opportunity to meet Premier Daniel Andrews and discuss our work with him also,” Ms Wade said. “It was definitely an exciting day.

“We need the government to support all Victorians, particularly those on low incomes, to transition away from gas.”