Latest news with #PeterJones
Sydney Morning Herald
13 hours ago
- Business
- Sydney Morning Herald
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.'
The Age
13 hours ago
- Business
- The Age
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.'
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Daily Mail
Drivers warned major road rule change in Australia with $961 fines 'just weeks' away: What you need to know
A major rule change is just weeks away and Aussie drivers have been warned they could be hit with fines as high as $961 if they break it. From July 1, divers in Victoria must not exceed more than 40km/h when they drive past an incident response vehicle. The rule was already in place for emergency services like police and ambulance on the side of the road and now it will include tow trucks, mechanics and roadside assistance vehicles. Royal Automobile Club of Victoria general manager Makarla Cole told Yahoo News the rule would give more emergency workers protection on the side of the road. The standard penalty for exceeding the 40km/h speed limit near incident response vehicles is $346 but it can be as high as $961 with no demerit points docked. The new rules have been put in place due to safety concerns from roadside workers A survey by RACV revealed 83 per cent of roadside workers experienced a close call with another vehicle at least once a week. Patroller Johnny Dipietro said he had experienced a number of near misses on the side of the road. 'I had a vehicle that almost hit me and I'll tell you what, it was really scary,' he said. Incident responder Steven Bevens said close calls happened 'every day' when on the shoulder of a busy road or highway. Victorian Automotive Chamber of Commerce Peter Jones said the new rules were necessary. 'We're pleased to see the Victorian government's commitment to roadside worker safety becoming a reality,' he said. 'When you see those flashing lights – whether it's police, ambulance, or now our towing and roadside assistance vehicles – slow down to 40km/h. It's a simple action that could save lives. 'This rule change finally gives them the protection they deserve. We urge all motorists to see this as an investment in everyone's safety.'
Belfast Telegraph
03-06-2025
- Automotive
- Belfast Telegraph
Ireland's first American locomotive turns heads in transit as it arrives in new Co Down home
The two vehicles – the first of four in total – arrived at the Downpatrick and Co Down Railway (DCDR) museum on Sunday having turned the heads of many people as they were driven along the roads from Co Clare in the Republic. The trains which arrived were the former Irish Rail and CIE locomotives – numbers 124 and 190. The other two vehicles, the number 152 and A3R, will be arriving next weekend. The number 124 train represents a particularly special piece for the museum. First arriving on rails in 1961, it is Ireland's first American built locomotive. The CIE 121 class locomotives (No. 124) have been described as a 'game-changer' for Irish railways when they arrived in that decade. Built by General Motors in the USA, they were the first American locomotives to operate on the island of Ireland The 124 and 190 were brought over the border at the weekend, having been stored under tarpaulins at West Clare Railway since 2009. Originally, they were part of a broad and narrow-gauge railway museum project. However, due to issues with planning and logistics, this did not come to fruition and instead after over a year of planning and building to accommodate them, the historical pieces safety arrived at their new Co Down home. They were each serviced and inspected before being moved to their storage and restoration location. Welcoming the newest feature to their museum is the chair of the DCDR, Robert Gardiner. 'Having access to additional locomotives allows us to rotate our existing diesel locos for essential maintenance and cosmetic restoration without impacting our services as we continue our recovery,' he explained. 'Of the four locomotives being relocated from Moyasta, two will be restored and returned to operational service, while the other two will provide valuable spare parts to support the existing fleet. 'This is a proud day for our railway and the heritage community. 'The arrival of these locomotives, especially No. 124 - which was the very first American-built locomotive to arrive in Ireland in 1961 - significantly strengthens our collection and operational resilience.' Peter Jones of the Irish Traction Group commented on the condition of the historic vehicles. 'Although covered and secured, the locomotives have suffered from exposure to the sea air at Moyasta,' he said. News Catch Up - Monday 2nd June 'Fortunately, recent inspections revealed their internal mechanical and electrical components remain complete, and the engines still bar over. "At this point we would like to express our sincere thanks and gratitude to Jackie Whelan, owner of the West Clare Railway, for allowing the group to store our locomotives at the site for the last fifteen years. 'And our thanks and gratitude to the Downpatrick and Co Down Railway for their kind offer of providing them with a new home.' The trains caused a stir on the roads form Lisburn to Saintfield during transit, as a DCDR apologised on social media for any delays caused to motorists while the vehicles were being transported. 'Were you stuck in a massive traffic jam on the road from Lisburn to Saintfield yesterday? Sorry, that was us. We had a rather large delivery arrive at the railway,' a spokesperson wrote on social media.
27-05-2025
What to know about the crash into a parade for Liverpool soccer fans
LIVERPOOL, England -- A British man was arrested after he drove a minivan into Liverpool soccer fans celebrating their team's Premier League Championship in an incident that injured almost 50. Authorities said the 53-year-old man is believed to be the only suspect and the incient is not being investigated as an act of terrorism. Hundreds of thousands of fans had lined the route of the hourslong procession under heavy security along a 10-mile (16 kilometer) route through the city Here's what we know so far about the crash: Authorities say that, as the parade was ending, a man plowed his car into a crowd of soccer fans in Water Street, in the northwestern English city. Emergency vehicles and an air ambulance rushed to the scene to attend to the injured. Paradegoer Peter Jones said he heard the car smash into the crowd and saw at least a half-dozen people down in the road. Another witness, Harry Rashid, said the car stopped after initially hitting some of the victims. Rashid said people then charged toward the vehicle, smashing its windows, and the driver kept going. Nearly four dozen people were injured, including four children. Twenty-seven people were taken to local hospitals, and another 20 were treated for minor injuries at the scene, according to authorities. Liverpool City Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram said four of the injured were 'very, very ill in hospital.' Four people were stuck beneath the vehicle and had to be freed by firefighters. Police detained a 53-year-old man from the Liverpool area who is believed to be the driver of the vehicle. Merseyside Police say they are not treating the incident as terrorism and aren't looking for any other suspects. The driver is in custody but has not been charged, and police have not released his name. But the force identified him as a white British man, in a possible attempt to prevent misinformation from flooding social media. Last summer, a teen in the nearby town of Southport killed three girls in a stabbing rampage at a dance class. Incorrect information quickly spread online saying the attacker was an asylum-seeker. In fact, he had been born in the U.K. Rioting spread across England and Northern Ireland, targeting mosques and accommodation for asylum-seekers. Liverpool fans were celebrating the city team's Premier League soccer championship in a record-tying 20th top-flight title. The team's last league title was in 2020, but fans couldn't publicly celebrate in the same way due to pandemic-related restrictions. Monday's parade wound through the streets despite wet weather. Fans danced and waved scarves while the team's players traveled on top of two buses. Liverpool clinched the title after defeating Tottenham last month. Rival Manchester United also has the achievement of winning 20 English league titles.
