NATIONALS Member for Gippsland South, Danny O’Brien has welcomed the latest energy and climate change policies released by The Nationals and Liberals, saying they will give huge opportunities for jobs and economic development in Gippsland.
Mr O’Brien said the establishment of a $1 billion Victorian Hydrogen Strategy to support research, development and adoption of hydrogen technologies offers great opportunities for Gippsland industry.
“We have already seen the Hydrogen Energy Supply Chain (HESC) project at Loy Yang conduct a successful trial and open up the prospect of a commercial industry supplying hydrogen to Japan from our brown coal,” he said.
“Utilising the proposed CarbonNet project at Golden Beach, this could provide clean fuel for the future and help Gippsland further develop its hydrogen energy capabilities – both green and blue – including the skills, technology and infrastructure needed for this emerging industry.
“With offshore wind and onshore solar developments in train there is great opportunity for Gippsland to transition from the coal and natural gas powerhouse that it currently is to the energy supply of the future.
“Equally, our policy is about providing certainty for our existing industries.
“We are not in the business of shutting down our baseload reliable, coal generators, and our policy sends a signal to the market of consistency and clarity.
“The Nationals are committed to supporting workers and communities in the coal, oil and gas industries which will play a role in our energy needs for some time to come.
“I believe Gippsland has a strong future in continuing to power the state and the nation, and I’m confident these policies will help us capitalise on the opportunity.”
Mr O’Brien also welcomed further investments in rooftop solar and household battery incentives, which will be welcomed by many local residents.
