Thursday, 26 May 2022

Northern Victoria Region

Ms MAXWELL (Northern Victoria) (12:33): (1801) My constituency question is to the Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change on behalf of Strathbogie shire. Energy security across Strathbogie shire has been a longstanding problem. Electricity supply comes in from the south through a feeder line from Seymour, and AusNet knows this line is regularly overloaded. The result is regular power failures, particularly during peak periods such as hot weather. Blackouts can last as long as 24 hours, and they not only result in serious economic loss but they are inconvenient and dangerous for residents. AusNet tell council that current regulations require upgrades to infrastructure that must be funded by customers in the region. It maddens me no end that without a major manufacturer the rights of a small shire to regular power supply are ignored. There is strong community interest in establishing a microgrid to reduce reliance on the AusNet system, so my question is: will the government fund a feasibility study as the first step to improving energy security in the Strathbogie shire?