O’Shannassy Ward councillor Monika Keane (front right) joined representatives of Warburton’s commercial, tourism and general community in a protest to the State Government on Saturday. Warburton senior Albert Fox (front middle) was one of many local residents stopping to sign a petition calling on the State Government to extend the natural gas pipeline from Millgrove through to Warburton.By Kath Gannaway
A SMALL band of Warburton residents voiced its frustration on Saturday at the lack of progress in a bid to have natural gas connected to the town.
The natural gas pipeline currently under construction by Alinta to towns along the Warburton Highway under the State Government’s $70 million Natural Gas Extension program ends at Millgrove.
Warburton resident Sue Mann said the demonstration was one way of making a point to the State Government that Warburton residents wanted the same level of services which were being provided just a few kilometres down the road.
Signs of ‘Not Happy, John’ left no doubt as to who the disgruntled residents were looking to for answers.
“We have asked people to email (Minister for State and Regional Development) John Brumby,” Ms Mann said.
“They (the Government) are saying they don’t think (the pipeline) is viable, but we strongly dispute that.”
Ms Mann said part of the frustration being expressed by residents was that although they had been told a feasibility study was being done, there had been no feedback.
“As (the Government hasn’t) spoken to anybody about it, we don’t know how they are doing it, or if there has been any outcome.”
Alinta spokesperson Travis Beasley told the Mail the findings of a feasibility study conducted over the past few months had been presented to the State Government.
He said the study suggested connecting the town would be more expensive than some of the others Alinta was in the process of connecting up because of more difficult terrain, but with appropriate support from the State Government connection to Warburton was a possibility.
“From our perspective it is in the hands of the State Government as to how it progresses from here,” Mr Beasley said.
A spokesperson for Gembrook MP Tammy Lobato told the Mail yesterday (Monday) she was disappointed the community had taken steps to demonstrate against the State Government when she had not been formally approached by the protestors.
The spokesperson said Ms Lobato had been working in Parliament and having meetings and discussions with Alinta, and while it was legitimate to be looking at how to get gas to Warburton, mounting protests was not a useful way to go about it.
“She has approached the Treasurer (John Brumby) to extend the gas extension program to Warburton and is having talks with Alinta,” the spokesperson said.
“When the Warburton resorts (two large resort developments planned the town) go ahead that will improve the chances of the town getting the gas because the usage, compared to the cost of rolling it out, becomes more cost effective.”
