Viva Energy want to build a massive polluting gas import terminal near Geelong, similar to the one AGL proposed in Westernport Bay. Environment Victoria joined locals and a coalition of Environment groups to staunchly oppose the project, and had a big win!
During the Environment Effects Statement (EES) process, they exposed just how damaging this project would be for our climate, the local marine environment and the safety of the community. When it came to making a decision on the project, the Victorian Planning Minister ruled that Viva would need to do an additional EES for their project, because their first one simply wasn’t good enough!
Viva has been sent back to the drawing board to do more research into a range of issues, including the impact of chlorinated water discharged into Corio Bay, the effects of dredging on seagrasses, how their project could impact endangered and migratory birds, industrial noise pollution, air pollution and Indigenous cultural heritage.
Together, we’ve been picking holes in Viva’s risky gas plan for years now – and the Victorian government’s decision confirms we were right about the many flaws. The marine environment studies alone will take at least 12 months. There’ll be another public hearing, and the whole process could set them back years, costing many millions of dollars.
While it’s not the outright rejection we were pushing for, it’s a huge win that is the direct result of the work of thousands of Victorians and local groups like Geelong Renewables Not Gas, ACF Geelong, North Shore Residents Group and Geelong Grammar School.
During the Environment Effects Statement (EES) process, they exposed just how damaging this project would be for our climate, the local marine environment and the safety of the community. When it came to making a decision on the project, the Victorian Planning Minister ruled that Viva would need to do an additional EES for their project, because their first one simply wasn’t good enough!
Viva has been sent back to the drawing board to do more research into a range of issues, including the impact of chlorinated water discharged into Corio Bay, the effects of dredging on seagrasses, how their project could impact endangered and migratory birds, industrial noise pollution, air pollution and Indigenous cultural heritage.
Together, we’ve been picking holes in Viva’s risky gas plan for years now – and the Victorian government’s decision confirms we were right about the many flaws. The marine environment studies alone will take at least 12 months. There’ll be another public hearing, and the whole process could set them back years, costing many millions of dollars.
While it’s not the outright rejection we were pushing for, it’s a huge win that is the direct result of the work of thousands of Victorians and local groups like Geelong Renewables Not Gas, ACF Geelong, North Shore Residents Group and Geelong Grammar School.