Government to consider changes to gas appliance ban
'Victorian gas is the cheapest in the nation. The longer we can rely on Victorian gas rather than imported gas, the better for Victoria's industrial sector.'
The government has received submissions from industry, environmental advocates and other groups.
Victorian Automotive Chamber of Commerce chief executive Peter Jones told The Age that the building electrification proposal 'threatens the foundation' of the industry.
'With approximately 4800 automotive businesses across the state relying on gas for their daily operations, this policy could force many of our members to either relocate interstate or shut down entirely,' he said.
'We're looking at the real possibility of vehicle parts, trailer manufacturing and other industry moving offshore permanently – taking Victorian jobs with them.'
Victorian Trades Hall Council, Environment Victoria and the Victorian Council of Social Services have all made submissions supporting the plan.
In March, VCOSS chief executive Juanita Pope said electric homes were better for people's health and that renters and low-income earners would need help to make the transition.
'Prioritising support for these households will mean that all Victorians can enjoy the health benefits and bill savings of electrification,' she said at the time.
Loading
Laundry Association of Australia chief executive Luke Simpkins said if the electrification program was implemented as proposed, it would eventually lead to higher costs.
'Everything will get passed through where possible,' he said.
The debate comes as information provided by ExxonMobil to the Australian Energy Market Operator in April, as part of regular communication on the state of its assets, shows its Turrum Phase 3 project has revised its estimated capacity upwards.
The project, which features a series of new Bass Strait wells, was announced in March, and the data shows it could now deliver 229 petajoules of gas over its lifetime starting from 2027, up from 137 petajoules originally expected.
The numbers are preliminary and will require more work to determine precisely how much gas will be delivered from the project.
But the upgrade raises the prospect that forecast shortages of gas in Victoria and New South Wales could be further delayed.
When the project was announced, it factored into AEMO's calculations that pushed looming gas shortfalls back from 2025 to 2028.
Energy and climate ministers have been meeting for months to map out a way to shore up supply in Australia, with discussions including giving AEMO the power to be a long-time buyer of gas through import terminals.
AEMO's executive general manager of system design, Merryn York, said AEMO was waiting for further information on the Turrum project to see if it should update its advice for the national gas system.
'Additional information has been provided to AEMO's Gas Bulletin Board on gas reserves at the Turrum gas field, part of the Gippsland Basin Joint Venture (GBJV) between Esso Australia and Woodside Energy,' she said.
'We're awaiting on further analysis from both parties to determine when the additional reserves could be produced and the impact this may have on other GBJV fields and projects.'
An Esso spokesperson said their anticipated production remained consistent with AEMO's road map.
Loading
'Esso Australia regularly reviews remaining gas reserves and periodically updates the Australian Energy Market Operator of any material changes,' they said.
'While depletion of the Gippsland Basin is inevitable, projects like Turrum Phase 3 will ensure Bass Strait continues to produce gas for the domestic market past 2030.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Sky News AU
8 hours ago
- Sky News AU
Victoria put on ‘credit-rating watch' amid Treasurer Jaclyn Symes's economic mismanagement
Victoria Shadow Treasurer James Newbury discusses lawyer and Victorian Treasurer Jaclyn Symes's New York visit amid Victoria's growing economic debt. 'The credit rating agencies contradicted everything she said, they said there are fundamental issues which we know, with the government's mismanagement,' Mr Newbury told Sky News host Steve Price. 'The fact that they've put us on a credit-rating watch tells us why we have the worst credit rating in the country.'
Sky News AU
8 hours ago
- Sky News AU
‘Draconian' Victorian Government imposes hefty fine for farmers
Victoria Shadow Treasurer James Newbury says the Victorian Government is telling farmers they will be fined $12,210 if they block transmission companies land access. 'It's shocking and they're doing this not just to regional Victoria, but also in the city,' Mr Newbury told Sky News host Steve Price. 'The government is taking over planning controls … now saying to farmers we're going to come along with a massive stick if you say no. 'What the government's doing is draconian.'
Herald Sun
8 hours ago
- Herald Sun
A-League: Western United hit with pay breach notices
Western United has again been given a 14-day deadline to pay overdue wages to players and staff. Don't miss out on the headlines from Football. Followed categories will be added to My News. Western United has again been served with breach notices by a host of the A-League club's players over unpaid wages. It's the second time in two months that United has been issued breach notices by disgruntled players, who were also forced to endure late pay in May. United had 14 days from Friday to make the payments. If the club fails to meet the deadline, players will be entitled to leave to the club, regardless of their contract status. A club spokesman said United was in 'constant communication with all players' and was working 'closely with the PFA (Professional Footballers Australia) and the APL (Australian Professional Leagues) to ensure this is addressed in the coming days'. Earlier in the week, United officials had been confident the club's proposed new majority backers – KAM Melbourne – would have paid the players and staff their overdue wages by Friday. — Western United FC (@wufcofficial) June 17, 2025 However, the money wasn't forthcoming, leading some players issuing breach notices via PFA. KAM Melbourne, a subsidiary of KAM Sports, was last month announced as financially embattled United's new controlling stakeholders. However, the deal is yet to be approved by the APL, which runs the A-League. PFA chief executive officer Beau Busch earlier this week said United's players and staff were 'victims of a governance model that is not fit for purpose, and where FA (Football Australia) and the APL appear unwilling to enforce their own regulations'. 'The professionalism of the Western United players and staff in the most trying conditions is a testament to their character and commitment to Australian football,' Busch said. 'The players (have been) left to fight for their most basic entitlement as employees. We will continue to ensure the players have access to the full resources of the PFA.' Originally published as Western United given 14 days to pay overdue wages or run risk of losing players Football Adelaide United's treatment of one the club's former players has been described as 'disgraceful'. Football Matildas star Ellie Carpenter appears to be one step closer to signing a massive transfer deal from Lyon to WSL club Chelsea, setting up a reunion with national teammate Sam Kerr.
