Media Release

Monday, 12 October 2009

Businesses within the Swan Hill Rural City are being asked to complete an online survey in order to establish the demand for the potential future supply of natural gas to the region.

Swan Hill Rural City Council Mayor Cr Greg Cruickshank said the assistance of local businesses in completing the survey is integral in the preparation of a business case, as part of a funding proposal to the State and Federal Governments and natural gas providers, to bring natural gas to Victoria's north west.

“Natural gas is a cheap, reliable form of energy and the need for a natural gas supply to the Swan Hill region and for other regional centres along the Murray has been established for a long time now,” Cr Cruickshank said.

“Natural gas is considered a big factor in determining the future development and investment in the Swan Hill region and for the Loddon Mallee region as a whole.

“The Loddon Mallee region is one of the last areas to not have a natural gas supply and in order for our businesses to continue to remain competitive this infrastructure issue needs to be addressed,” he added.

“Council's Economic Development Unit is seeking information from businesses as to their energy needs and it would be terrific if our local businesses could take the time to fill out the survey online to help establish the demand for natural gas in our region.

“Council, together with other north-west municipalities, is trying to ensure our voices get heard in order to bring this important energy source to the region.”

Businesses can access the survey via Council's website at www.swanhill.vic.gov.au, all information provided for the survey will be kept strictly confidential.

For more information, please contact Council's Economic Development Unit on 5032 3033.