MEDIA RELEASE
12/09/2024
GREENS WARN COMMUNITY WILL CONTINUE THE FIGHT AFTER FLOATING GAS TERMINAL COMES BACK ON THE AGENDA
Today Viva Energy has reignited their plan to build a massive gas import terminal in Corio Bay, near Geelong. After the initial Environmental Effects Statement (EES) was rejected by the Planning Minister last year, Viva has today released a Supplementary EES for public submissions.
The proposed gas terminal will import fossil gas while Victoria continues to export the majority of the gas it extracts to overseas markets. Over 80% of Australian gas is exported, meaning that an import terminal could end up buying back our own gas at a higher price.
The Victorian Greens condemn the project, and give their full support to the Geelong community who have been fighting this project tooth and nail for many years. The Allan Labor government risks a huge betrayal of the community if they allow the project to go ahead.
The approval of this project would spell disaster for the environment, climate and Geelong residents’ health and safety. At a time when 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:
“This gas import terminal would undermine Victoria’s efforts to phase out fossil gas”.
“The Geelong community is already mobilising against this project and won’t accept the building of a dirty fossil fuel project in their backyard. Viva and the Labor government have a significant fight on their hands if they think this can go ahead. ”
“This development would put our climate, environment and local communities at risk. The Planning Minister must reject it.”
Quotes attributable to the Leader of the Victorian Greens, Ellen Sandell:
“Just this week the Premier announced more offshore gas projects for Victoria and retreated from her commitment to get Victorians off gas in their homes.
“Instead of listening to the climate scientists who say no more fossil fuels at a minimum, Labor is listening to the fossil fuel corporations and walking away from any ambition they had on climate.
