HORSHAM Rural City Council was invited to provide a submission to the state government on regional fuel prices.
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The Victorian Parliament’s economic, education, jobs and skills committee have sought the council’s views, insights and experiences in relation to regional fuel prices.
Mayor Pam Clarke said fuel prices were a real issue in the area.
“We have had visitors come through Horsham and avoid petrol stations because they can get cheaper fuel elsewhere,” she said.
“Residents travelling to Melbourne buy petrol on the road because it’s more affordable.”
Fuel companies had formerly advised that volume of sales, traffic numbers and route, location and convenience store sales are factors influencing fuel price.
Cr Clarke said competition created with new petrol stations opening would perhaps bring fuel prices down.
Councillor David Grimble said he was pleased to see the opportunity to contribute to the inquiry.
“We appear to pay higher than the state average for the price of fuel and there is no clear reason for that,” he said.
Cr Grimble said by way of regional remoteness people were restricted in how they balanced fuel use.
“When living in a metropolitan area there are other transportation modes available. When you are living in Horsham there is nothing you can do but travel by car,” he said.
Council planning and economic director Angela Murphy said the council’s submission included comments from councillors, staff, Business Horsham and the Wimmera Mail-Times.
Horsham Rural City Council will make its submission on Friday.