Environmental groups to again oppose gas terminal plan

THE Victorian government is calling for more information about the environmental impacts of Viva Energy’s gas terminal project in Geelong, but a coalition of community groups are again calling for the project to be cancelled.

Under the project, a gas terminal would be created by using a ship known as a floating storage and regasification unit at Refinery Pier in Corio Bay, next to Viva Energy’s Geelong Refinery.

The original Environment Effects Statement (EES) was exhibited and then submitted in October 2022 to the former Victorian planning minister, who determined in March 2023 that a supplementary EES was required before the project could be approved.

This would include an updated assessment of the project’s impacts on the marine environment, noise, air quality and underwater Aboriginal cultural heritage .

The supplementary EES and an updated draft planning scheme amendment are now on public exhibition, but the Geelong Renewables Not Gas alliance says it is disappointed and frustrated Viva is pushing ahead with the gas terminal proposal.

“Last year, the Victorian government said that Viva Energy’s environment assessment was deeply flawed, so why should the community trust them this time?” Australian Conservation Foundation Geelong spokesperson Sanja van Huet said.

“More than 2,000 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.”

Geelong Sustainability chief executive officer Dan Cowdell said the gas terminal was “a step backwards” for the Geelong community and the environment.

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

“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.”

For more information on the supplementary EES or to make a submission before October 25, head to engage.vic.gov.au/Viva-Supplementary-EES-IAC