VECCI will today hold a Pre-Election Forum on energy issues at its head office in Albert Street, East Melbourne.
The speakers at the Forum will include the Hon. Theo Theophanous, Minister for Energy Industries and Resources; the Hon. Philip Davis, Shadow Minister for State Development, Country Victoria, Energy and Resources; and the Hon. Peter Hall, National Party Spokesperson for Energy Industries.
“VECCI has been at the forefront of advocating a consistent State energy policy agenda and has been an active and constant advocate of the need for policy-makers to frame consistent, responsible and non-distorting energy policies”, says VECCI Chief Executive Officer, Mr Neil Coulson.
“With a State Election less than four months away, it is important that business and other key stakeholders are aware of the energy policies and key initiatives of each of the leading political parties.
“VECCI’s Pre-Election Policy Forum on Energy provides this insight and continues the momentum of reform and policy development initiated by VECCI at its November 2005 Victoria Summit”, says Mr Coulson.
At the Forum, VECCI will present its policy document on energy, which will emphasise that:
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We need to balance economic and environmental imperatives
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We need to plan for future baseload energy requirements, now
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In Victoria, brown coal is – and is likely to remain – a major source of reliable and competitively priced energy supply
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We must recognise the role – and limitations – of alternative energy sources
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We need to actively encourage the uptake of new clean coal technology
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Energy policy must be strategic and whole-of-State in its focus and scope, and also continue to incorporate strategies for demand management and the education of users to ensure enhanced efficiency in energy use.
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Energy policy should be integrated with policy positions on industry development, investment, infrastructure, innovation, transport, State and regional development and environmental management.
The VECCI Pre-Election Forum on Energy will be held on Thursday 17 August between 4.30pm and 6.00pm at VECCI, Level 5, 486 Albert Street, East Melbourne
For all media enquiries, please contact:
VECCI Strategic Communications
Ph: (03) 8662 5226
email: media@vecci.org.au |
