FOOD and grocery manufacturers are increasing pressure on NSW and Victoria over restrictions on coal-seam gas developments, warning a gas price spike in the next two years will send jobs offshore and undermine Tony Abbott's emissions reduction fund.
The Australian Food and Grocery Council has told the federal government an expected doubling in the gas price in the next two years will cost the industry $170 million a year and cut profits for food manufacturers alone by 4.33 per cent.
The AFGC wants the Council of Australian Governments to “encourage states to develop a nationally consistent approach to unconventional gas supplies”…
The AFGC warns higher gas prices risk a contraction in manufacturing activity and competitiveness, “contrary to the aims of the government’s manufacturing policy”.
