Nationals Member for Lowan, Emma Kealy MP has called on the Minister for Energy and Resources to take immediate action against excessive gas pricing in the Wimmera region.
“I have received many complaints from local people about the high increases to gas pricing and the ‘monopoly’ situation with only one gas provider in the Wimmera region, Ms Kealy said.
“In 2015 gas prices went up by 18.9 per cent and this year it went up again by about 20 per cent. It looks like country Victoria is again being left to pay increased and inflated prices,” she said.
Emma Kealy MP has spoken in parliament and raised local concerns directly with the Minister for Energy and Resources, Hon. Lily D’Ambrosio, calling for immediate action to be taken.
“The Minister made a commitment to monitor the development of competition in the Wimmera area to ensure that the interests of consumers are protected. This has now been on the Ministers desk for over a year,” Ms Kealy said.
“The fact that the Minister has not fulfilled her own commitment or intervened to ensure there are other providers available to supply gas through the pipeline is appalling.
“The cost of living is an enormous issue for people in Western Victoria, where for the last 24 months we have been suffering because of the lowest rainfall on record.
“To see gas prices and the cost of living continuing to increase under this Labor Government is a real concern for local people.
“Whether it is utility bills, transport or health costs, the cost of living is rising sharply and it is time to take action,” she said.
Emma Kealy MP is encouraging people to contact the newly launched CostWatch initiative about cost of living pressures experienced across the Lowan electorate.
“The CostWatch project aims to uncover cost-of-living issues by Victorian families, get households and businesses talking, and most importantly use people power to reduce unnecessary costs,” Ms Kealy said.
“The Andrews Labor Government keeps promising to ease the cost of living pressures, but local people are sick of putting up with unfair pricing and continued increases,” she said.
For more information, and to share your story or provide feedback about cost of living pressures, visit CostWatch.com.au or contact Emma Kealy via emma.kealy@parliament.vic.gov.au or in writing to PO Box 41, Horsham 3402.