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21 January 2004 Gas announcement welcomed by business group The State Government's plan to connect Bairnsdale to natural gas has been welcomed by a group of leading regional businesses. Champions of the Bush Executive Officer Darren Chester said today's (Wednesday) announcement by Acting Premier John Brumby was an important step towards natural gas reticulation of major regional centres throughout Victoria. "We welcomed the State Government's initial commitment of $70 million and we welcome today's announcement that some of the major users in Bairnsdale will be on line by the end of this year," Mr Chester said. "Champions of the Bush has regularly lobbied governments about the need to invest in major infrastructure like natural gas as a means of attracting new businesses and new residents to country areas". "It helps to level the playing field by reducing the cost of doing business which will allow country-based industries to invest money in other parts of their operations". "Obviously $70 million isn't going to bring gas to all regional centres and we will continue to work with the government to encourage further phases in the program in the interests of sustainable regional development." Champions of the Bush member company, Patties Foods in Bairnsdale will be a major user of natural gas when it is available. Managing Director Richard Rijs told today's launch that there would be significant savings for his company, but the benefits would flow through to all businesses in the region. "If the average householder can save money on energy bills, they are likely to spend that money in our local area," Mr Rijs said. "That is the big benefit of natural gas reticulation. Businesses which save money can invest more in their operations and families which save money can purchase other items in their local community. "It will help to create jobs and increase prosperity in regional areas. We welcome Mr Brumby's announcement and look forward to the gas flowing throughout regional Victoria in the months ahead." Media
information: For further comments contact Darren Chester on 0351 55
3719 or 0412 153 719. Richard Rijs on 03 51 52 6448.
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