A new one-billion-dollar Victorian hydrogen strategy released by The Nationals and Liberals ahead of the Victoria state election holds great hope for the Latrobe Valley.
The Nationals Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Melina Bath said The Nationals and Liberals policy included a commitment to hydrogen, a boost for locals seeking solar panels and batteries at home and more opportunities for renters.
“We need certainty for our energy systems and our broad policy covering emission reductions, incentives for solar uptake and a new approach to hydrogen will deliver what Victoria needs.
“We are committed to reliable and affordable energy, at the same time is helping us transition to a new energy future.
“I’ve been a strong campaigner for the Hydrogen Energy Supply Change project based out of Loy Yang, and our one billion dollar commitment will help capitalise on the lessons from the project and future opportunities for hydrogen production and jobs in the Latrobe Valley.”
The Nationals candidate for Morwell, Martin Cameron said the new policy offers great prospects for locals.
“I’m about finding jobs and new opportunities for the Valley, and I can see our billion dollar hydrogen fund will help us do that.
“It’s also important to note that our new policy gives certainty to industry to invest in energy facilities.
“Unlike Labor and the Greens, we’re not interested in an early closure of coal fired powered stations, we back those industries and their workers in our community and The Nationals will help Latrobe Valley transition to a new future.
“Only The Nationals and Liberals remain committed to our local gas industry and utilising local gas for local needs.
“We have a Victorian gas reservation policy for new gas developments which will help us keep the lights on and ensure that energy prices for families in the Valley are kept to a minimum.
“There are many people locally who are struggling with the cost of living and it’s important that the State Government give certainty to our industry while continuing to provide reliable and affordable power that Latrobe Valley has provided the state for generations.