Gas protesters reach Parliament steps

OBJECTERS to a proposed Geelong gas terminal have taken their concerns all the way to Spring Street with a demonstration at Victoria’s Parliament.

Geelong Renewables Not Gas (GRNG) protesters gathered in Melbourne yesterday (Wednesday) to see a petition against the Viva Energy terminal go before state MPs.

Western Victoria Animal Justice Party MP Andy Meddick sponsored a parliament petition against the plan, which had racked up 2072 signatures online.

GRNG said the petition had more than 2500 total signatures ahead of its tabling this week.

The conservation group launched the latest initiative in its long-running campaign against the terminal shortly after a public inquiry into the terminal’s environmental impacts ended last month.

“After public protests in Geelong and more than 2000 written submissions outlining concerns with Viva’s proposal, it’s clear the community doesn’t want this risky and environmentally damaging gas terminal in Corio Bay,” GRNG spokesperson Darcy Dunn said.

“Geelong could be a renewable energy hub and this gas terminal proposal takes our community in the wrong direction at a crucial time.”

GRNG is also encouraging other community members to speak out against the proposal in a bid to gain more support, including by hosting webinars that instruct people how to raise their concerns with their local MP.

The petition centres on Viva’s proposal to build its floating storage and regasification unit near its Geelong Refinery, which would import liquified natural gas (LNG) for use in Victoria’s energy grid ahead of an expected medium-term shortfall of the resource.

Viva’s proposal underwent an Environmental Effects Statement (EES) assessment earlier this year.

The EES included an independent advisory committee which assessed submissions from the proponent, authorities and objectors during seven weeks of hearings. The panel will provide final advice to the state’s Planning and Environment ministers for a final decision.