For a government that talks big on climate, Victorians will be left to scratch their heads and ask – where is the big vision for a gas-free state? | OPINION from Jono La Nauze, CEO of Environment Victoria
. We are in the unenviable position of being the Australian state most reliant on gas. The current energy crisis has shown just how costly Victoria’s dependence on polluting gas is – it remains the most expensive source of power in our energy network.
Certainly, there are aspects to this plan we applaud – the shift to the 7-star construction code that increases the environmental performance requirements of new buildings, and removal of plumbing regulations that incentivised gas hot water are positive steps.
Apart from the considerable health and climate impacts of remaining wedded to fossil fuels, we’ve all seen the negative consequences of being exposed to the global energy markets, with households and businesses dealing with double-digit leaps in energy bills since the start of this year.The road map fails to rule out using dirty hydrogen made with gas.
With plans underway for a new gas terminal in Geelong, and with the Victorian government having approved oil company Beach Energy to begin drilling in Port Campbell National Park, the lack of clear timelines in this road map leaves Victoria vulnerable to the potential spectre of new drilling under the iconic 12 Apostles and the presence of giant gas tankers in Port Phillip Bay.
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