To the Editor
Get off the Gas: Victorian Homes to go all Electric from 2024
The Baw Baw Sustainability Network (BBSN) supports the Victorian Government’s All Electric program that comes into effect on 1 January 2024.
The ban on new gas connections in all new buildings, including hospitals and schools and public and social housing, and those that are proposed but have not reached design stage, will go all electric in 2024.
Lily D’Ambrosio MP, Minsiter for Climate Action and Energy and Resources, reported (Media Release, 28 July 2023) that uncertainty of supply, rising costs and the desire to lower emissions has driven this reform.
The Climate Council, referring to the ban as ‘game changing’ and others such as Healthy Futures and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) calling it a ‘win for health’, the driving force for governments was the cost savings to Victorian consumers.
The ban on new gas connections is welcome initiative and supported by the BBSN. Along with many environmental advocates, the Baw Baw Sustainability Network supports this move, but it questions the Victorian Government’s commitment to lowering emissions while backing new gas and coal projects.
Along with many environmental advocates, the Baw Baw Sustainability Network continues to pressure government and developers to continue the transition to a low carbon future. Cost of living pressures are significant. The new State Electricity Commission will offer assistance to households to change to new electrical appliances.
Addressing climate change must be at the forefront of the decision-making processes.
Inge Mitchell, President
Baw Baw Sustainability Network
The Letter to the Editor first appeared in the Warragul Gazette 7 November 2024.