General News
7 September, 2023
Local group support report
A new local survey has shown strong support for the state’s transition away from gas, with a high demand for government rebates to assist Victorian homes in making the switch to electrical systems. Mapping out a more sustainable pathway, community...
A new local survey has shown strong support for the state’s transition away from gas, with a high demand for government rebates to assist Victorian homes in making the switch to electrical systems.
Mapping out a more sustainable pathway, community members from Maryborough’s Climate Action Stewarding Group (CASG) presented Environment Victoria’s newly published report, which details residents’ views on gas, to Member for Ripon Martha Haylett in parliament last week.
The report, which follows the State Government’s announcement to ban gas connections in new homes from 2024, highlights that around 83 percent of respondents — who came from Clunes and surrounds, supported the state’s move away from gas by 2035 and a further 66 percent indicated that there was a need for financial support like rebates and interest-free loans for electric appliances.
Other key findings in the report show that people could save about $1250 every year if they went electric and that gas could also be responsible for health issues like asthma in 12 percent of childhood cases.
CASG member Tony Macer said the outcomes noted in the report were very important for all households including those in the Central Goldfields Shire.
“Our group has been trying to work out for a while how we can best get off gas — we know it’s bad for the environment, for our health and it’s expensive,” he said.
“This report is really relevant for everybody, especially because of the cost, people have to pay three times the price for their gas.
“Environmentally as well, 17 percent of Victoria’s emissions comes from gas.
“I think this survey shows what people want and need, it’s a step in the right direction.”