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