Viva Energy gas import terminal still risky and uncertain with safety and dredging concerns unresolved

The Geelong Renewables Not Gas Alliance is deeply disappointed by today’s decision to approve Viva Energy’s gas import terminal while significant concerns around safety and additional dredging in Corio Bay remain unresolved.

Late last night, the Victorian Premier and Planning Minister announced environmental approval for Viva Energy’s controversial gas terminal at a business gala in Melbourne, without releasing details to the Geelong community.

However, reports released this morning reveal that key concerns around safety and navigation raised by expert witnesses, Ports Victoria and most recently in leaked studies to the media have not been addressed.

Instead, the inquiry report states any additional dredging of the shipping channel would be subject to a separate assessment, including potentially a whole new Environment Effects Statement – another major hurdle for the company if it occurs.

Spokesperson Lauren Dillon for ACF Geelong said:
“Maritime experts, Ports Victoria and rival energy company Vopak have all flagged that the current Corio Bay shipping channel is too narrow and shallow for most LNG tanker ships and significant dredging could be required to ensure safe navigation of the vessels.

“This additional dredging isn’t currently part of Viva Energy’s proposal and wasn’t scrutinised in this environmental assessment. Only a small dredging footprint was assessed next to the refinery, which ignores all of the likely dredging needed for tanker access. This means the community, the regulator, and even the Minister have yet to see any assessment of what will happen to the local ecosystem if the shipping channel is deepened for LNG ships.

“We would like to thank the local community who have campaigned tirelessly for the past four years to oppose this project, including gathering thousands of petition signatures, attending public hearings, presenting expert evidence, and hosting rallies.”

Spokesperson Jane Spence from Geelong Sustainability said:
“Investing in new gas infrastructure locks us into decades of emissions at a time when urgent climate action is needed.

“The proposed gas import terminal is not just a climate risk — it is an economic gamble that could leave Victorians worse off. This short-term decision has significant negative long-term impacts for our community, our environment and our collective future.

“We are incredibly disappointed by this outcome in the face of considerable community opposition.

“We call on the Victorian Government to invest in ambitious electrification and renewable energy solutions that provide reliable power and long-term jobs for a safer, healthier, and more sustainable future for our community.”

Environment Victoria Rivers and Nature Campaign Manager Greg Foyster said:
“The way the Premier and Planning Minister announced this decision at a business gala late at night has treated the Geelong community and thousands of concerned local residents with contempt.

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

“It’s important to note that Viva Energy still faces significant hurdles – including securing a gas processing ship, competing with three other proposed gas terminals for a single spot in the east coast market, and unresolved questions over navigation and safety.

“As the electricity system shifts to renewable energy, fossil gas could become Victoria’s biggest climate problem. The smartest solution remains helping households and businesses shift to efficient electric appliances.”