Mr DEAN ( Windermere ) - Mr President, I want to make a very brief contribution and certainly I will be supporting the bill. Gas rolled out for residential connection and use is a much awaited service and there are many people who would want to connect to gas supplies, particularly with the soaring costs of electricity. There is certainly more emphasis on this now and more consideration being given. In the case of Launceston, however, I think it is particularly important.

We are all aware of Launceston's environmental issues which are connected very clearly - and there is evidence to show this - to wood-heater smoke. If there is an alternative source of energy for heating in and around Launceston people will opt to go to that other form of energy, particularly if there is some incentive provided for them to do so. That has already been demonstrated with the support that has been given to changing over from wood heaters to electric heating, although unfortunately that is now creating some problems.

What I am saying, and the people of Launceston are saying, is that Launceston should now be treated as a special case for the rollout of gas. In that regard, there is currently a motion before the Launceston City Council for the council to approach Powerco and the Government to treat Launceston as a special case and for more emphasis to be placed on that area for gas supplies to all of the residences. I want to place that on record.

I think it is a just position and I think it will create a better Launceston environmentally. This issue is very much in the news, unfortunately for those wrong reasons, throughout the winter months. It is important that we do start to look at some of those areas that would do well from gas supplies and that form of energy.