The Baillieu-Ryan Government must explain to Wandong and Heathcote Junction families why they have abandoned their pre-election promise to connect them to natural gas, Shadow Minister for Rural and Regional Development, Jacinta Allan, said today.
Ms Allan and Member for Northern Victoria Region, Candy Broad today met local residents concerned about the Baillieu Government’s back-flip on its promise.
“Before the election, Mr Baillieu and Mr Ryan promised to connect gas to Wandong and Heathcote Junction to win government,” Ms Allan said.
“It now appears the Liberal National Government has walked away from the commitment to Wandong and Heathcote families without any explanation.
“When the 12 towns to be connected to natural gas were listed by the Government, neither town was on the list. Wandong and Heathcote Junction residents have every right to feel abandoned by the Baillieu-Ryan Government.
“Seymour Liberal MP, Cindy McLeish and Mr Baillieu made an 11th hour promise, promoted in campaign material distributed in the local community. After nearly 12 months these communities remain off the list.
“The Baillieu-Ryan Government has failed to outline to these communities why they said one thing before the election to win votes, but have gone silent after the election by not telling residents if natural gas will be connected.”
Ms Broad said local families had petitioned the Baillieu-Ryan Government with more than 600 residents declaring they want the gas service connected.
“It is now time for local MP, Ms McLeish to be up front with her community and give a straight answer on whether natural gas will be flowing to these communities,” Ms Broad said.