The Nationals’ Melina Bath said the Allan Government’s handling of the state’s energy transition to renewables is shambolic.
“Labor’s energy bungling falls on the shoulders of Premier Jacinta Allan and her Minister for Energy and Climate Action, Lily D’Ambrosio.
“In a vote of no confidence in the Allan Government, multiple developers have withdrawn from developing offshore wind, citing poor economic prospects in Victoria.
“Offshore wind is central to the Allan Government’s energy transition plans, but after 11 years not one project has been deemed viable or progressed beyond a paper pipedream while the state’s coal fired power stations creep closer to closure.
“It is doubtful the state’s offshore wind targets of 2 GW by 2032, 4 GW by 2035, and 9 GW by 2040 will be achieved – even the Victorian Auditor‑General’s Office said it is unlikely.
“Gippsland is supposed to be the perfect location for offshore wind development, but Allan Government red tape has ensured the projects are unviable investments.”
Ms Bath said energy bills continued to climb, while energy security had plummeted during a cost of living crisis under Labor.
“Labor has no answers to Victoria’s growing energy crisis after pedalling falsehoods and stunts including bringing back SEC which has only created 127 jobs statewide and cost taxpayers more than $1 billion.
“Labor’s offshore wind ambition is fading fast, with licensing and critical port infrastructure still not in place to support turbine construction and deployment.
“Labor can’t manage the energy transition, can’t manage money and Victorians are paying the price.”
