Info sessions for new gas terminal

A COMPANY behind a second planned gas import terminal in Port Phillip Bay will host community information sessions this weekend as it prepares its submission to planning authorities.

Dutch-based resource logistics company Vopak is refining plans for its Victoria Energy Terminal, which it plans to anchor 19 kilometres east of Avalon.

Vopak is hosting information sessions on its Floating Storage Regasification Unit for communities that would be impacted by the proposal, including in the Geelong region.

The consultation sessions are from 10am to 3pm, at Geelong Waterfront tomorrow (Friday, September 16), Portarlington Band Rotunda on Saturday, September 17 and at Werribee on Sunday, September 18.

The FSRU would receive liquified natural gas (LNG) from import tankers and convert it back to gas for use in Victoria’s energy grid.

The company argues its terminal will help the state meet its energy demands ahead of an expected gas shortfall in the medium term.

Vopak’s idea is similar to a facility Viva Energy has proposed near its North Geelong refinery.

“A floating terminal is an economical and environmentally friendly way to bridge the gap between an expected drop in local gas production from existing supply sources, and the ability of renewable energy sources to fill that gap,” Vopak stated.

The terminal has drawn condemnation from environmental groups, including Geelong Renewables Not Gas, whose concerns include climate change impacts, the site’s proximity to Port Phillip Bay’s Ramsar wetlands, marine environment effects and safety of LNG transportation.

Vopak has indicated it would submit its proposal to the state planning minister for environmental referral by the end of this year.