Home » Politics » Disconnected from the pain

Disconnected from the pain

LAST week I spoke about the Swan Hill community’s view on local health services thanks to the responses to date in Mallee’s Biggest Survey.

You can still complete your survey by return mail, or on my website www.annewebster.com.au.

Survey results so far show two-thirds of Swan Hill residents do not want to pay a cent towards reaching net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Of the remaining third, most are only willing to pay $100 or less annually toward ‘net zero’.

You already pay that much and will pay a lot more as the Albanese and Allan Labor Governments are hell-bent on political targets to appease inner city voters and bolster a flagging bid to host the peak global climate change conference, COP31, in Adelaide the same month as the next Victorian state election – November 2026.

Labor is totally disconnected from the pain households and small businesses are feeling in their energy bills and the reality that their net zero goals (Victoria by 2045, federally by 2050) and renewable energy targets (Victoria 95 per cent by 2035 and federally 82 per cent by 2030) simply cannot be reached. It is a fantasy.

The VNI West transmission line from Kerang to Bulgana could now cost triple the $3.4 billion estimated just last year – and experts say around half the $8 billion extra cost will be felt on your power bills.

VNI West will now also take at least two years longer to build and every year longer means greater cost. As the sole remaining New South Wales offshore wind proposal at Newcastle looks very shaky, Gippsland is the sole potential location where offshore wind turbines might be built.

Victorian Labor said if offshore wind doesn’t proceed, they will need as much as 70 per cent of Victoria’s prime agricultural land for energy generation.

Victorian Labor also want to fine farmers $12,000 if they refuse access.

This week the federal Productivity Commission recommended watering down our environmental laws to fast-track ‘clean’ energy projects.

Labor railroading farmers and threatening fines for objecting is bad enough, let alone trashing local environments supposedly to save the planet.

Digital Editions


More News

  • Heart of songwriting remains unchanged

    Heart of songwriting remains unchanged

    AUSTRALIAN country music star Sara Storer has spent decades turning everyday bush moments into songs. The stories, she says, are everywhere. You just have to recognise the ones worth telling.…

  • Child protection bills pass Parliament

    Child protection bills pass Parliament

    TWO landmark child protection bills passed the Victorian Parliament last week, introducing changes aimed at giving families more time to reunite and creating a new whole-of-government responsibility for children in…

  • Hotel future unclear

    Hotel future unclear

    THE Gannawarra Shire Council has provided an update on the Cohuna Hotel following claims made by its owner in separate court proceedings that the property had been issued with an…

  • Food price warning over fuel fears

    Food price warning over fuel fears

    AUSTRALIANS are being warned every corner of the economy will be affected by soaring fuel prices as a result of the war in Iran. But consumers are being urged to…

  • Time to rediscover Kirra

    Time to rediscover Kirra

    There’s something about Kirra, from the pristine open beach to the laidback community vibe to the latest restaurant openings – it’s a popular seaside destination. Back in the day Kirra…

  • Just a question of price

    Just a question of price

    After a string of hybrid and fully-electric vehicles, including a full-blown electric ute, it was kind of refreshing to get behind the wheel of a no-frills turbo-diesel 4×4 ute like…

  • Farmers short on fuel

    Farmers short on fuel

    MEMBER for Mallee Anne Webster says Mallee farmers have warned the Middle East conflict is depriving them of the fuel needed to feed and clothe the nation. Dr Webster said…

  • New funds for local clubs

    New funds for local clubs

    TWENTY-three sporting clubs in the upper house Victorian electoral district will share in $200,000 in the latest round of grants to support community participation. The move comes via the Sporting…

  • Police search for missing males

    Police search for missing males

    POLICE are appealing for public assistance in locating two missing males. Fourteen-year-old Byron was last seen in Swan Hill on 24 February. He is known to frequent the Mildura, Bendigo,…

  • Nominate a natural hero

    Nominate a natural hero

    THE 2026 Victorian and New South Wales Landcare Awards have officially opened for nominations. The biennial state programs recognise individuals, groups, and organisations involved in landcare who are making outstanding…