Gippslanders will soon face energy insecurity according to a damning new report from the Victorian Auditor-General into the Allan Labor Government’s management of the renewable energy transition.
The Nationals Member for Gippsland South, Danny O’Brien said the report, Managing the Transition to Renewable Energy, confirmed that Victoria is not on track to meet its offshore wind target, key transmission projects are delayed, 2030 renewable energy goals are in doubt and gas shortages are expected from as early as next year.
“Concerningly, the report also warns that electricity reliability issues could also emerge as early as next year,” Mr O’Brien said.
“The Allan Labor Government’s own risk framework rates the likelihood of a “disorderly energy transition” as severe/almost certain, noting potential consequences including supply disruptions, higher energy prices and community frustration as well as potential job losses”.
Mr O’Brien said the findings reflect a broader pattern of poor planning and delivery by Labor that Gippslanders know all too well.
“The Auditor-General’s findings echo Labor’s failures in the management of the transition from native forest harvesting to plantation-based harvesting where it pledged to plant 30 million trees in 2017 but had delivered only 4,000 by the end of 2023.
“That promise has now quietly been watered down to 16 million trees over 10 years at a cost of around $120 million.”
Mr O’Brien said Labor’s continued mismanagement puts Gippsland jobs, households and businesses at risk.
“It is clear that Labor can’t manage renewable energy transition and it is Gippslanders who are paying the price.
“Only The Nationals in government will stand up for Gippsland and push for an energy transition that is properly managed, protects jobs, lowers prices and keeps the lights on.”