Minister’s roadblock on Viva gas terminal

VIVA Energy’s bid to build a gas import terminal offshore from its Geelong Refinery has hit a roadblock with Victorian Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny asking for more assessment on the project’s potential impacts.

Ms Kilkenny says Viva failed to provide sufficient evidence to prove the project, which has attracted thousands of objections and numerous public protests, would be safe for Geelong and its environment in a two-year assessment process.

The Geelong-based energy company had lodged an Environmental Effects Statement (EES) with the state government in a bid to win approval for its Floating Regasification and Storage Unit (FRSU) offshore from its Geelong Refinery.

The government had sat on an independent committee’s advisory report for six months before the minister’s revelations this month that she was not ready to decide on the project.

“It has advised that there is not enough information to determine whether the project has an acceptable or an unacceptable level of environmental impact,” Ms Kilkenny said in Parliament last week.

“I have been left with no choice… but to advise Viva that an additional environment effects statement will need to be prepared.

“It is then up to the proponent whether it wishes to embark on that further Environment Effects Statement.”

Viva last week told the stock exchange that it had received a request for supplementary information that would likely cause delays.

“Specifically, the Minister is seeking additional information with respect to matters relating to the marine environment, air quality, noise, and Aboriginal cultural heritage,” Viva stated.

“Viva Energy is currently assessing the requested supplemental process, together with the report of the Independent Advisory Committee.

“The company remains confident about the long-term demand profile underpinning the project, given the regulatory forecasts that indicate a need for gas imports to supply Victoria’s natural gas supply in the coming years.”

A six-week exhibition of Viva’s EES drew more than 2,000 submissions that were overwhelmingly in opposition early last year, as environmental groups encouraged residents to have their say.

Environmentalists welcomed the project delay, which they claimed as a win from a campaign locally and further afield to oppose the plan.

“The Viva floating gas terminal proposal has been the focus of a powerful local campaign,” No More Gas campaign co-ordinator Freja Leonard said.

“The community has rightly raised concerns about the FRSU’s proximity to local homes and businesses in the event of malicious damage or an industrial accident, and its impact on local fishing and enjoyment of the bay.

“This is a vindication of just some of the numerous concerns raised by the residents of Geelong against this boondoggle of a proposal.”