Families and local businesses face severe disruption after Solstice Energy announced it will cut gas supply to more than 1,180 homes and businesses across 10 regional communities by the end of next year, including a significant number in Heathcote.
The Nationals’ Member for Euroa, Annabelle Cleeland, said the latest cut is the direct outcome of the Allan Labor Government’s relentless ideological attack on gas, stripping away choice, driving up energy bills, and punishing regional Victorians.
“Despite the Premier’s spin, Labor is doubling down on its ideological war on gas – driving up costs and reducing choice for families and businesses,” Ms Cleeland said.
“Since January 2024, Labor has banned gas connections for new homes and subdivisions that require planning permits, effectively cutting off access for growing regional communities.”
“These decisions are being made in Spring Street by city-centric Labor ministers who have no idea what it’s like to live or run a business in regional Victoria.”
More than two-thirds of affected customers use gas for cooking and hot water, and half rely on gas for ducted heating.
“Communities are being forced off gas and pushed onto an electricity system that is unreliable and increasingly expensive,” Ms Cleeland said.
“We have already seen repeated power outages in nearby towns like Benalla, Euroa and Nagambie. Labor’s plan only makes this worse.”
Gas is a vital part of Victoria’s economy, supporting $22 billion in direct annual activity and around 40,000 jobs. Over 2.2 million Victorian households rely on gas, and all gas produced in Victoria is sold in Australia, supporting local jobs and industries.
Without urgent action to fast-track new gas supply, energy costs are expected to rise, and the risk of power shortages will increase, hurting families, farmers, small businesses, and regional industries.
A 2024 poll showed 82 per cent of Victorians believe people should have the right to choose what appliances they use in their own homes. Ms Cleeland said Labor’s ideological mandates take away that right and force people into expensive alternatives.
“It is time the Allan Labor Government stops punishing regional communities with their anti-gas agenda,” Ms Cleeland said.
“Removing energy options for regional communities costs households at a time of cost-of-living crisis and reduces economic development opportunities in these areas.
“The Nationals and Liberals will always stand up for energy choice, affordability, and reliability. Regional Victorians deserve better.”