Zoe McKenzie (Flinders, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I was pleased to join the team at Long Island Point in my electorate last Friday to celebrate the official opening of the Hastings Generation project. This project will not only reduce the amount of ethane which flares from the Long Island Point plant but produce enough energy to power roughly half the houses on the Mornington Peninsula. The three generators will rely on ethane to bring more power to the grid, producing 50 per cent fewer carbon emissions than coal generation in Victoria. The Long Island Point plant contributes immensely to our local community, employing over 150 team members and supporting a raft of community organisations, such as Fusion, the local SES and the Marine Rescue organisations, as well as local schools through both grants and partnerships.

Esso Australia is focused exclusively on the domestic market and provides a reliable supply of natural gas to Victorian households. The ongoing supply of gas is an essential part of the energy make-up of my state. More supply is essential to ensure gas remains affordable. My constituents barely need reminding that, under the Albanese Labor government, the cost of gas has gone up by 33.8 per cent. When the wind isn't blowing and the sun isn't shining, gas will ensure the resilience and stability of the energy grid. We know on this side that a balanced energy mix is the key to reducing prices and guaranteeing a stable power supply for our ever-expanding need for energy. A coalition government in 2025 will not close baseload power stations prematurely and will put more gas into the market, allowing for a stable transition to renewables and net zero with their power.