Victoria’s pubs and hotels have welcomed the Allan Government announcement on certainty for natural gas supplies, which will allow the ongoing operation of commercial cooking facilities.
Australian Hotels Association President David Canny said the Government will not consider requiring commercial buildings to replace gas appliances with electric alternatives when existing gas appliances reach end of life.
Mr Canny said the Allan Government had listened to the concerns of the hospitality industry in relation to the need for ongoing access to natural gas at an affordable price.
He said the cost implications would be unfair for pubs and hotels if they were forced to remove natural gas cooking equipment.
“Our industry needs certainty of natural gas supply for the coming years until new electric technology becomes available and can be proven to effectively operate in a commercial kitchen of a pub or hotel.
“Long term planning is required and the Allan Government has responded to representations made by our industry.
“Governments have a critical role in setting policies that deliver reliable and affordable energy supplies without disrupting commercial operations and investments made by businesses.
“We now look forward to genuine consultation on the direction of the Victorian Gas Roadmap to address stakeholder concerns on reliable supply at an affordable price,” Mr Canny concluded.