Daniel Andrews is lying.
He has repeatedly said, even as recently as yesterday of the Liberal and Nationals' conventional gas plan, that:
"…the only gas you can find to deliver on their so called gas policy is if you frack."
Yet on March 17 2020, Daniel Andrews released a media statement announcing the start of a conventional onshore gas industry from July 1 2021.
"…studies have identified potentially significant onshore conventional gas resources particularly in the Otway Basin, which stretches across the border to South Australia where a productive industry has been established.
Production of Victoria's estimated resources could generate more than $310 million annually for regional economies and create 6,400 jobs over the lifespan of these projects.
The sensible, science-based approach will also bolster Victoria's energy security, with any gas produced from future onshore production licences to be prioritised for the domestic market – supporting local industry and consumers."
The government's own Earth Resources department states on a page updated on October 14 2022:
The Victorian Gas Program estimated that an onshore conventional gas industry could potentially start production from 2023–24 if industry makes a gas discovery quickly, considers it commercially feasible to develop and secures the necessary regulatory approvals.
The sector is predicted to deliver a jobs boost for south-west Victoria and Gippsland in the coming years.
The restart follows three years of detailed scientific investigations by the Victorian Gas Program. It found an onshore conventional gas industry would not compromise Victoria's environment or our vital agricultural sector.
The restart of onshore gas exploration and production does not include coal seam gas or fracking, which are permanently banned in Victoria. The fracking ban was added to Victoria's Constitution in March 2021.
Daniel Andrews is desperate. His scare campaign is based on a lie, and he knows it.
He is proving himself unfit to be Premier.
