The investment is the first step in a plan to build a natural gas pipeline along the Murray River in an effort to boost industry and jobs in northern Victoria.
Upon announcing the plan in November 2010, Victorian Nationals Leader and then Shadow Minister for Regional and Rural Development Peter Ryan said “In the 21st century, it is absurd that this vast area of regional and rural Victoria is not connected to reticulated natural gas.”?
“The Coalition is committed to supporting the needs of our regional communities and we believe residents and businesses along the Murray deserve speedy access to natural gas,”? Mr Ryan said.
Communities along the Murray River advocating an extension of the natural gas network are Swan Hill Rural City Council, Shire of Campaspe, Mildura Rural City Council, Moira Shire, Gannawarra Shire Council and Loddon Shire.
In addition, the Coalition Government has pledged to invest $5 million to develop and implement a Latrobe Valley industry and employment roadmap, which will include a comprehensive socio-economic impact study of any future move to phase out Hazelwood Power Station.