MORE needs to be done to lower gas prices, as business experience up to 400 per cent increases in gas costs, says Member for Mallee Anne Webster.
Dr Webster said gas prices were threatening the future of manufacturing businesses in Western Victoria, after being contacted by several local businesses worried about rising costs.
She said the businesses expressed their alarm at the recent dramatic increase in wholesale gas prices and the implications for their future financial viability.
Dr Webster stated that one business was facing a 400 per cent increase in the cost of gas and that further rises were expected.
“The businesses I have spoken with are understandably distressed about the dramatic increase in wholesale gas prices and advise they will be unable to absorb these cost increases and remain financially viable going forward,” Dr Webster said.
“One manufacturing business I met with last week is facing an increase of approximately $250,000 a month or $3 million a year, a cost they simply cannot afford.”
Dr Webster called on the government to “act immediately” to address the threat to jobs and manufacturing in Australia.
“I am calling on the minister for climate change and energy to pick up the phone today and call gas providers to avoid this pending disaster for our vital manufacturing businesses and to help take some pressure off rising cost of living pressures for residents,” she said.
“The Victorian Labor Government also needs to do more to increase and open Victorian gas production to alleviate the rapidly rising cost of living pressures.”
