16 Oct 2017 Wangaratta Chronicle, Wangaratta VIC (General News) by Shane Douthie Sdouthie@ Ne Com Au Fracking ban stays, with relief years in the pipeline THE Victorian Liberal Nationals newly unveiled policy to address our states energy crisis will protect Victorian jobs and industry, and bring down household bills, according to Tim McCurdy (MLA, Ovens Valley). But the benefits may not be realised for up to five years. It will provide cheaper gas and create more jobs while protecting our environment and farmland, Mr McCurdy told the Wangaratta Chronicle. Our policy keeps Victorias fracking ban while securing the gas resources we need. Mr McCurdy said he didnt agree with changing contracts to force gas companies to divert a proportion of their export gas for the domestic market. They need to be honoured, he said, indicating there were no discussions at Coalition state level, to his knowledge, to lobby federal counterparts to look at changes to export gas arrangements to relieve the supply shortage. Mr McCurdy also acknowledged that any gas discovered under the new proposal would possibly not be available to the market for up to five years. Jaclyn Symes (MLC, Northern Victoria) criticised the proposal for not addressing the gas supply shortage more urgently. The evidence is clear there is no supply problem, Ms Symes said. Victoria already produces twice as much gas as it uses, but its sent overseas. The only way to fix the problem today is by reserving our gas for Australian families and businesses first, something that Mr Turnbull and the Liberals refuse to do. Weve asked the lead scientist to see if there is any onshore conventional gas in Victoria, but even if there was it would take five years until it came online and we cant wait five years. Ms Symes said fracking on farms and prime agricultural land would remain off-limits. Licensed by Copyright Agency. You may only copy or communicate this work with a licence.