The decision by the Victorian Government to lift the moratorium on conventional onshore gas exploration is long overdue and will help secure Victorian jobs.
Victorian businesses have been struggling with record high gas and electricity costs, limiting their ability to hire staff and invest. In some cases, their continued operation is threatened.
To ensure reliable supplies of affordable and clean electricity and gas, the Victorian Chamber has called for the removal of the moratorium on conventional onshore gas exploration in Victoria (the Chamber does not support fracking) in conjunction with:
- A regulatory regime to manage the risks of individual gas supply projects on a case-by-case basis
- A domestic gas reservation scheme aimed at securing low cost and reliable gas supply for local industry and gas-fired generators
- An integrated national climate and energy policy.
Gas is an important fuel for our transition to lower emissions and achieving net zero emissions by 2050. The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry supports action on climate change and urges all parties and governments to join business in a bipartisan effort to decarbonise the Australian economy.
Source: Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry