CNG Meeting

The meeting was well attended by over 60 residents, honourable Wendy Lovell MLC, Member for Northern Victoria and Kim O'Keeffe MP, Member for Shepparton. 

Kevin Scolyer opened the meeting and introduced the Action Group's committee, comprising himself, Kevin Bourke, Roland Huber, Adie Van Luenen, Deb and Russell Shaw, before then welcoming our guests. 

Kevin reported on: 

Tailored case management 

Progress on the call for funding/compensation 

Update on the upcoming Energy Expo 

Update on the customer appliance database 

Seeking approval from the meeting for the committee to negotiate with the State and Solstice on everyone's behalf 

Update on regisration of affected residents, stressing how critical it is for many of the affected residents to register their details to add the weight of the population behind us in our negotiations 

Strategy going forward. 

Kevin then went on to talk more about the groups two prime objectives. Firstly, Tailored Case Management. It has become apparent that each Solstice customers’ situation is different, and the proposed “one size fits all” approach does not work. This highlighted the importance of the customer registration database. The aim will be for an appropriate person will come to each resident’s house, analyse what you currently have and what you need, and then prepares a “Case Management Plan” so that each customer will know the best options for them, including the cost. He then told the meeting that this has now been achieved! The Victorian Government body, DEECA (Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action), have responded that “they are providing tailored case management for customers that require support and guidance for choosing the best option for their home and circumstances, and navigating electrification.” Kevin presented a form for residents to enter their contact details on, to register if they require/desire Case Management. In answer to a question regarding the independence of the proposed case managers, Kevin pointed to the DEECA case management service, email address: solstice.support@deeca.vic.gov.au, but stated that we are in the early days and further details/structure are to be determined. 

The second objective of the group is to achieve full case funding, the biggest challenge. In summary of research results to date, Kevin went on to detail his many findings that support the argument that both Solstice and the Victorian Government are in breach of the Development Agreement/Contact, providing substantial information supporting this argument, although stating that this is yet to be confirmed legally. A part of this argument involved the statement by Solstice that the contract was for 20 years. He requested that if any customers have possession of the written contract, or letters from Solstice/Tas Gas, with the contract term stated on it, that they please provide it to the group. 

The group name was changed from a Chat Group to an Action Group. 

Attendees were given the oppportunity to speak upon their experiences. 

It was then requested of the meeting for approval be given to the core group to negotiate on everyone’s behalf. The motion “that the people in this room support and authorise the core group to negotiate on their behalf” was moved by Kevin Bourke, seconded by Adie Van Luenen and carried unanimously.  

Kevin Bourke explained why the town had not  been able to be connected to the state natural gas pipeline, due to the lack of available supply existing in the pipeline.  

Exhibitors registered for the upcoming Energy Nathalia Expo: 

Cobram Electrical and Data (CED) 

SEC Victoria 

David Walsh Gas 

Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) 

GV Gas 

GV Trade Link 

Jorgensen Refrigeration 

Moira Shire Council (MSC) - 2 members 

Rheem 

RT Butler Electrical 

Solar Vic 

Solstice Energy 

Wendy Lovell  

Kim O' Keeffe - Melissa Crosby