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.”