MEDIA RELEASE
30/09/2024
Federal Greens Senator Backs in Communities Call to Stop Viva’s Floating Gas Terminal
Last week, Australian Greens Senator Steph Hodgins-May joined the community campaign to stop Viva Energy’s proposed floating gas import terminal in Corio Bay. Supported by Greens Member for Western Victoria, Dr Sarah Mansfield, and council candidates for City of Greater Geelong Emilie Flynn, Maddie Slater, Jess Harper, Theresa Slater and Sian Milton-McGurk, the Greens expressed their staunch opposition to this fossil fuel project in Geelong.
This comes just weeks after the revised Environmental Effects Statement (EES) was released for public comment. Viva’s original EES was sent back to the drawing board last year by the Victorian Planning Minister following thousands of public submissions voicing concerns about the project.
The proposed gas terminal will import gas into the state, to meet so called ‘shortages’, despite 80% of Australia’s gas being exported, and only 3% being used in the home.
The Australian and Victorian Greens condemned the project and showed their support for the Geelong community, which has been fighting this project since the beginning. To allow this project to go ahead would be a betrayal of the Geelong community by the Labor Government
The approval of this project would spell disaster for the marine environment and climate, and risks Geelong residents’ health and safety. At a time when acting on the climate crisis is more urgent than ever, Labor must stop pouring fuel on the fire by supporting new fossil gas projects.
Quotes attributable to Greens Member for Western Victoria and Co-Deputy Leader, Dr Sarah Mansfield:
“Viva’s gas import terminal can’t be allowed to go ahead – it risks the health of Corio Bay and local residents, and we don’t actually need it. It has been alarming in recent weeks to see the Allan Labor government backflipping on their promise to phase out gas, and paving the way for projects like this one. In a climate crisis, ending our reliance on coal and gas has never been more crucial, and yet the Greens are the only party who is taking the science seriously’.
“The community made their opposition to this project abundantly clear when it was last on the table. The Greens – at all levels of government – will be standing with the community as we once again call on Victorian Labor to reject the Viva floating gas terminal’.
Quotes attributable to Victorian Greens Senator, Steph Hodgins-May:
“Labor has approved 28 new coal and gas projects since coming to power, despite assuring voters that an Albanese government would take the necessary action to curb climate change. Clearly, they care more about the fossil fuel industry than they do about the health and well-being of communities like Geelong.”
“Emissions are higher under Anthony Albanese than under Scott Morrison, and now Labor has made the climate crisis even worse. It’s clear that Labor can’t be trusted on the environment and climate this election.”
“As the Greens Senator for Victoria, it’s my responsibility to take the concerns of the communities I represent to Canberra. From the discussions I’ve had here today, it’s clear that a floating gas terminal is not what the people of Geelong want or need.”
“There can be no doubt for voters this election: the Greens are the only party you can trust on the environment and climate.”
Quotes attributable to Greens candidate for City of Greater Geelong, Emilie Flynn:
‘The proposed Viva gas import terminal in Corio Bay undermines our commitment to building a better future. At a time when we face a climate emergency, investing in new fossil fuel infrastructure moves us in the wrong direction.’
‘As a candidate for Geelong council, I stand against the Viva gas import terminal due to its significant environmental and safety concerns. To build a better future, we must prioritise renewable energy solutions that protect our community and preserve our natural heritage.
The Viva gas import terminal contradicts our efforts towards a carbon-neutral future. Geelong deserves a sustainable future, not projects that perpetuate our reliance on fossil fuels.’
