Shepparton families, manufacturers and local food and fibre producers struggling to meet the rising cost of gas and electricity prices will get targeted relief if the Nationals are elected to state government in November, according to the party.
Nationals candidate for Shepparton Kim O’Keeffe said the community deserved hope that relief was on the way.
“Rising household energy bills are just one of the painful financial impacts of the skyrocketing cost of living for regional Victorians,” Ms O’Keeffe said.
“Our communities have suffered so much financial stress through the uncertainty and isolation of the pandemic, but the current Labor Government has failed to put up practical solutions to help families and businesses.
“The Nationals have announced a plan that will support cheaper energy bills and lower emissions to ease the pressure on local household bills.”
Ms O’Keeffe said the Nationals’ plan would put in place a range of new measures for cost-of-living relief.
In Shepparton, households would save $4400 on the installation of solar power and battery storage under a new rebate scheme.
This would double to $8800 for eligible rental households.
In the public sector, if elected, the Nationals plan to play a leading role in lowering emissions in Victoria by installing solar panels across public infrastructure, including schools and social housing.
The new energy plan also includes a $1 billion Victorian Hydrogen Strategy to support the research, development and adoption of clean hydrogen technologies.
Ms O’Keeffe said with growing reports from the national energy regulator that Victoria wasn’t keeping up with demand for gas supply, household bill relief was only part of the plan.
“A local gas guarantee will make sure we keep up with demand in Shepparton by introducing legislation that will quarantine new gas supplies for use in Victoria,” Ms O’Keeffe said.
“The Nationals in government will keep the lights on and prices low while our state continues to move forwards and more renewables enter the energy market.”