In response to news that Dutch multinational oil and gas company Vopak is going ahead with its plans to bring liquefied natural gas (LNG) tankers into Port Phillip Bay and operate a floating re-gasification plant, Environment Victoria and Geelong Renewables Not Gas have warned of high prices and heavy environmental damage.
The groups have warned that Vopak’s gas terminal threatens to expose Victorian households and businesses to bigger energy price spikes by importing gas from highly volatile international markets, as we are witnessing in the current global oil and gas crisis.
Alternatively, Victoria should be fast-tracking switching to efficient electric appliances powered by clean, renewable energy and storage to keep bills low and save the gas for industry that still needs it.
Karina Donkers, co-CEO of Geelong Sustainability, said:
“At a time when communities across Victoria are accelerating toward renewable energy and electrification, it is deeply concerning to see a proposal that would lock us into decades more fossil fuel gas. We cannot solve the climate crisis by expanding the very industry driving it.”
“Port Phillip Bay is a treasured ecological and cultural area. Introducing a gas import terminal into this sensitive marine environment raises serious concerns for marine life, local industries and the communities who cherish the Bay.”
Lauren Dillon, Spokesperson for ACF Geelong, said:
“This is incredibly disappointing for Geelong and the surrounding communities, who have advocated for a renewable energy transition for years. Our community has been vocal when opposing gas terminals, and we will continue to educate and mobilise alongside them. Melbourne and Geelong deserve better.”
Dr Kat Lucas-Healey, Senior Climate and Energy Advisor at Environment Victoria said:
“Vopak wants to bring massive tankers into the middle of Port Phillip Bay and operate a re-gasification plant which will discharge chlorinated water into waters shared by marine life and people enjoying the bay.”
“Vopak’s terminal will create a direct line between the volatile international gas market and Victorian energy bills. Vopak is betting that this terminal will net them windfall profits, which will come straight out of the pockets of Victorian households and businesses during a growing cost of living crisis.”
“While the gas exporters up north are making a killing paying little or no tax, Vopak is planning to import high-priced gas into Victoria. These companies really seem to have no shame when it comes to extracting profits.”