Community rallies to oppose polluting Viva gas terminal once again

An alliance of community and environment groups has today raised concerns about Viva Energy’s controversial plan to import gas through Geelong, after the Victorian Government planning department released a revised environmental assessment this morning.

The Geelong Renewables Not Gas alliance, consisting of affected residents, people passionate about fishing and boating, as well as local and peak environment organisations, has expressed disappointment and frustration that Viva is pushing ahead with its gas terminal proposal despite being sent back to the drawing board last year.

In March 2023, the Victorian Planning Minister forced Viva to produce a ‘supplementary’ Environment Effects Statement after Viva’s original documentation was found to be deficient in key areas.

ACF Geelong spokesperson Sanja van Huet said:

“Last year the Victorian Government said that Viva Energy’s environment assessment was deeply flawed, so why should the community trust them this time?”

“More than 2000 people and organisations made submissions against Viva’s project, including Geelong Grammar School, North Shore Residents Association, environment groups, school students, fishing enthusiasts and many other community organisations and individuals.

“During the last assessment, the marine models and studies were found to be inadequate to reflect the conditions in Corio Bay and the extent of flora and fauna to a level of detail required to determine the environmental effects of the terminal. This included concerns about what impacts the Project might have on adjacent Ramsar wetlands.

“An additional process just places a greater burden on the community to respond. Why should the community have to do Viva’s homework twice?”

Geelong Sustainability CEO Dan Cowdell said:

“The Geelong community sent a strong message last time that they do not support the project and will do so again.”

“The Viva Energy Gas Import Terminal is a step backward for our community and the environment. We need to transition away from gas and invest in renewable energy solutions to ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.”

“The inadequate environmental studies conducted for the project last time raised serious concerns about the potential impacts on Corio Bay and adjacent Ramsar wetlands, cultural heritage for Traditional Owners, and the cumulative noise impact of the project, especially when combined with Viva Energy’s existing refinery.”

“At a time when the world faces a climate emergency, it is vital to transition away from fossil fuels and towards renewable energy solutions. Projects like the Viva Energy Gas Import Terminal move us in the wrong direction by creating infrastructure for more fossil fuels.”

Environment Victoria Climate Campaign Manager Joy Toose said:

“An LNG import terminal will only make our gas bills even higher and expose us to future price shocks from the international gas market.”

“Half of Victoria’s gas consumption happens in homes via inefficient appliances that are hurting hip pockets and our kids’ health.”

“We need to step up efforts to repower Victorian homes with renewable electricity and leave gas in the past where it belongs.”

About Geelong Renewables Not Gas (GRNG): Formed in response to Viva Energy’s proposed import terminal in Corio Bay, the Geelong Renewables Not Gas alliance includes North Geelong residents directly affected by the proposal, people passionate about fishing and boating, and people concerned about pollution and the climate crisis. It is backed by peak local, state and national environment groups, including Environment Victoria, Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF Geelong), Geelong Sustainability, Surfers for Climate, Australian Parents for Climate Action, Patagonia and others. Learn more at https://geelongrenewablesnotgas.org/about-us