MP calls for Kooweerup connection

BETTER late than never, but what about Kooweerup?
That was the reaction from Bass MP Ken Smith to news that Lang Lang will be connected to reticulated natural gas.
Mr Smith questioned whether Lang Lang residents should believe the announcement by State and Regional Development Minister John Brumby.
He also asked “which decade” Kooweerup residents could expect natural gas to be connected to their town.
“While I welcome any commitment by the government to the provision of gas, we should remember that the Bracks Government was elected in 1999 with a platform which included the promise of natural gas,” Mr Smith said.
“After six years in government there is still not one location in regional Victoria connected to gas.
“Labor made the same promises to get elected in 2002 and, from a list of 29 towns promised gas at that time, not one has been connected.
“This is not only dishonest, but has let down both domestic and industrial users of energy.
“Why should the Lang Lang community believe Mr Brumby’s announcement? And, if they do believe it, why do they have to wait until the year 2010 to enjoy the benefits reticulated natural gas will bring to those communities?
“ And again, what about Kooweerup?
Mr Brumby said the State Government’s natural gas extension program was the biggest gas rollout in provincial Victoria since the 1970s.
He said 34 towns would be connected under the program, which would lower energy costs for residents and businesses and drive investment and jobs in the region.