SYKES STEPS UP CAMPAIGN TO BRING GAS TO MYRTLEFORD

The Nationals Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes, has stepped up his campaign to bring natural gas to the Ovens Valley following the announcement that up to 50 jobs will be lost at Myrtleford’s Carter Holt Harvey saw mill.

Dr Sykes has called for the Minister for State and Regional Development, John Brumby, to confirm if the Ovens Valley is part of the Government’s $70 million natural gas extension program.

“If the Ovens Valley has been earmarked for natural gas I call on the Minister to fast-track its progress. If it hasn’t, I would urge the Minister to reassess the shire’s case in light of the major job losses in Myrtleford.”

Dr Sykes said the reticulation of natural gas to the Ovens Valley would increase Myrtleford’s competitiveness to attract new industries and develop job opportunities.

The average household can save up to $1200 a year by accessing natural gas, while medium seized businesses can save as much as $30,000.

“As part of the Government’s response to the company’s decision to shed a large part of its workforce, the Minister now has the opportunity to make Myrtleford a priority for natural gas.”

Dr Sykes also urged the Government to extend funding for financial counselling services in the town as a result of the multi-national company’s decision.

“With the poor timing of the Carter Holt Harvey decision, I am in no doubt that some workers, particularly those with young families, will need to access specialist financial services to plan for the future.”

Funding for the current service, which is highly utilised and valued by the community, expires in June next year.

Dr Sykes said his office has strongly supported the efforts of the Ovens Valley Awareness Group, Upper Murray Family Care, Ovens and King Community Health and the Alpine Shire to secure recurrent funding from the Department of Human Services for the service.

“I call on the Government to act proactively to reduce the impact of the job losses by fast-tracking access to natural gas and ensuring adequate funding for counselling services is maintained,” Dr Sykes said.

Media contact: Bill Sykes (03) 5762 2100 or 0427 624 989