East Gippsland concession card holders relying on alternative energy sources are being left in limbo by the State Government’s mismanagement of the Non-Mains Energy Concession, with some residents waiting up to five months for reimbursements while facing soaring heating costs.
Gippsland East Nationals’ MP, Tim Bull, said Labor’s handling of the scheme has left families without essential support during the coldest months of the year.
“Families who depend on wood heating, gas bottles and other non-mains energy sources are fed up with the lack of payment and communication,” Mr Bull said.
“On top of seeing reimbursements delayed for up to five months, applications have no confirmation emails and phone enquiries are unanswered before disconnection.
“The overall situation has been exacerbated by the government’s decision to shut down the native timber industry, which has left firewood in short supply and driven prices through the roof across the region.
“The Allan Labor Government has created a perfect storm – destroyed the local timber industry without giving thought to the impact on firewood supplies, and then failed to deliver the very concessions designed to help those in need, in a timely manner.”
The concession allows low-income households, which source non-mains energy for their heating, cooking and hot water, to apply for assistance to help cover their yearly energy costs
“The Allan Government needs to fix this mess immediately. Households shouldn’t have to choose between heating their homes and putting food on the table because of government incompetence,” Mr Bull said.
Mr Bull encouraged residents experiencing issues with their applications to contact his office for assistance, while he advocates for improvements to the program.
