Liberal Nationals Onshore Gas Policy

State Liberal Member for Eildon Cindy McLeish MP has announced that a Coalition government would implement a new policy for onshore gas exploration if it is elected at next year’s state election.

“The Coalition’s onshore gas policy will give Victorians a clear choice at the next election and will help put the brakes on soaring gas prices that are currently hurting Victorian households and businesses.”

“Our policy will provide cheaper gas and create more jobs while protecting our environment and farmland,” Ms McLeish said.

Under the plan, a Liberal Nationals Government would legislate to allow onshore conventional gas exploration and production in Victoria on a case-by-case basis.

A new royalty sharing scheme would be created to allow local landowners to benefit from gas produced from beneath their land. Landowners would receive a 10% share of the royalty paid to government of the net post-wellhead sales value of recovered gas.

Ms McLeish said the rights of landowners will be protected with a right of veto over conventional gas exploration and production on their land.

“More importantly, the Coalition will continue its support on fracking and coal seam gas exploration and production in Victoria to protect our farmland and our water supplies,” Ms McLeish said.

A Coalition government would also introduce a domestic gas policy that ensures new gas discoveries are for the benefit of Victorians.

According to Australian Energy Market Operator, Victoria is facing a 50 per cent drop in gas supply by 2021 which would result in shortages and higher energy prices.

“This policy would allow new cheap gas to supply an estimated 10 per cent of the Victoria’s annual gas needs.

Ms McLeish concluded saying, “Daniel Andrews needs to stop playing politics with Victoria’s gas supply and energy affordability, and support the Liberals Nationals onshore conventional gas policy.”