By ANEEKA SIMONIS
KOOWEERUP residents and business owners will save up to 30 per cent on their energy bills with the town’s looming natural gas connection.
Liberal candidate for Bass Brian Paynter and Eastern Victoria Region MP Edward O’Donohue visited Kooweerup on Thursday 30 October to provide progress updates on the energy-saver.
“The project to deliver natural gas for Kooweerup is progressing well, and is on track to be delivered in the next term of government,” Mr O’Donohue said as he announced construction would begin at the start of next year.
“Residents and industries currently using LPG as the primary source of energy will save up to 30 per cent using natural gas. The cost savings associated with the introduction of natural gas to Kooweerup could make the area a more attractive place to live or operate a business.”
The project was campaigned for by several members of the community, particularly the Kooweerup Township Committee, who believe take-up will be popular.
“It is going to make a huge impact to energy costs … it’s no secret that the climate in the swamp can sometimes get a bit damp and electricity is expensive,” said vice-president Ray Brown.
“Take-up indications are huge. We ran two petitions and Ken Smith ran another petition.
“The survey indicated that something like 75 per cent would take up natural gas in the first 12 months and that figure would increase with time.”
Mr Paynter welcomed the announcement and said it was a positive step forward for the people of Kooweerup.
“This is fantastic news for locals, and will deliver more than 1300 homes and businesses in Kooweerup savings on energy bills,” he said.
In addition to savings, Mr Brown said he and the community were pleased their energy use would have less of an impact on the environment.
“Natural gas is a cleaner energy. We are encouraging people to switch over to reduce theirs and the town’s carbon footprint,” he said.
The delivery of natural gas to Kooweerup is being made with $5.25 million in Coalition Government support, funded through the $100 million Energy for the Regions Program.
“This investment builds on the $66 million Coalition Government funding for the Kooweerup Bypass and $6.45 million funding to rebuild Kooweerup Secondary College. The Napthine Government is investing in the vital infrastructure that locals have been asking for,” Mr Paynter said.
