Energy for the Regions Program
The Energy for the Regions Program will be funded under the Government's $1 billion Regional Growth Fund.
The Victorian Government will invest $100 million over the next four years to extend natural gas across regional Victoria and encourage greater investment in the regions.
The Program has three broad initiatives:
- To fast-track the delivery of natural gas to an initial twelve towns including: Avoca, Lakes Entrance, Invermay, Winchelsea, Heathcote, Orbost, Warburton, Marong, Bannockburn, Terang, Maldon and Huntly;
- To invest in a major upgrade of Mildura’s natural gas supply capacity; and
- To invest up to $1 million to fund a feasibility study into the provision of natural gas to Victorian communities along the Murray River.
RDV is delivering this Program for the State and has commenced implementation arrangements for a staged approach. The first stage involves direct discussions with gas distribution businesses regarding the capture of early opportunities through a negotiated process. The bid process for this first stage closed on 31 August 2011.
RDV has now commenced the task of reviewing bids received under the direct negotiation process with respect to their technical and commercial merit. This process is expected to be finalised over the coming months.
Subsequent stages of the Program will be informed by and commence on the completion of the direct negotiation process.
The Government’s Energy for the Regions Program will drive new investment in regional communities through new industry and business opportunities.
