Protesters rally ahead of Viva Emergy gas terminal decision

Geelong residents turned out to protest Viva’s gas import terminal proposal as the state government weighs up its options.

Geelong residents turned out to protest Viva’s gas import terminal proposal as the state government weighs up its options.

The crowd gathered at Steampacket Gardens on Saturday morning, with residents telling the Geelong Advertiser they still had concerns for the proposal’s safety.

Viva’s Energy’s plans to import LNG to a facility off refinery pier are in the hands of state energy minister Lily D’Ambrosio, but the government failed to make a decision on the project before it entered caretaker mode ahead of this month’s election.

Norlane resident Izzy Scherer said she was concerned about safety and potential impact on Corio Bay’s tourism and natural environment.

Final protest targeting the Gas Import Terminal at Steampacket Gardens.

“Corio Bay is amazing. And that’s got so many natural values that I think we need to enhance,” she said.

“Renewable energy is going to bring far more jobs to this area.”

The project underwent a multi-week state inquiry earlier this year, and a petition protesting it amassed more than 2400 signatures.

Residents raised concerns about safety, proximity to residential areas, impact on the local marine environment and ongoing emissions contributions.

Australian Conservation Foundation chief executive Kelly O’Shaughnessy, who grew up in Geelong, also attended the rally.

“We’re supposed to be reducing greenhouse gas emissions, not increasing them,” she said.

“Gas is a highly polluting fossil fuel, and one of two culprits in the world that is warming the climate alongside coal. We have to switch from both really rapidly.”

A Viva spokesman said the project was “progressing as planned” and a final investment decision would be made after the state’s verdict expected later this year.

“Viva Energy’s proposed Gas Terminal will provide critical infrastructure to deliver a secure supply of gas ahead of forecast shortfalls in the coming years,” he said.

“The project will bring new skills, economic activity and opportunities for Geelong, including 150+ construction jobs and 50-70 permanent positions.”

In June, Viva said the project had undergone a “rigorous planning process” and “science-based assessments” to ensure safety and compliance with regulatory requirements.

Originally published as Protesters rally ahead of Viva Emergy gas terminal decision