Environment Victoria | Geelong Viva Energy gas terminal approval will result in unacceptable price shocks and irrevocable damage to our bays
In response to news that the federal government has today approved the Viva Energy gas import terminal in Geelong, Environment Victoria and Geelong Renewables Not Gas have warned of high prices and heavy environmental damage to Corio Bay.
The groups have warned that Viva’s gas terminal threatens to expose Victorian households and businesses to bigger energy price spikes by importing gas from highly volatile international markets, as we are witnessing in the current global oil and gas crisis.
Alternatively, Victoria should be fast tracking switching to efficient electric appliances powered by clean renewable energy and storage to keep bills low.
Karina Donkers, co-CEO of Geelong Sustainability said:
“The approval also greenlights dredging nearly half a million cubic metres of Corio Bay near internationally-significant Ramsar wetlands in order to bring massive LNG tankers into Geelong’s port.”
“With a second gas terminal also being proposed by multinational company Vopak, potential is building for serious cumulative impacts on Corio and Port Phillip Bays affecting nature, aquaculture and recreational fishing and diving.”
“The prospect of industrial-scale dredging in Corio Bay so that Viva Energy can bring massive fossil fuel tankers to Geelong Pier is beyond distressing. Geelong needs jobs in clean renewable energy and our kids need a safe climate.”
Dr Kat Lucas-Healey, Senior Climate and Energy Advisor at Environment Victoria said:
“Purchasing LNG from volatile international markets and importing it into Victoria is a recipe for price shocks. When gas is unaffordable and we’re still shackled to gas, people go cold and businesses go bust.”
“These import terminals will lead to unacceptable additional climate pollution, from production to shipping, regasification and end use. They make a mockery of Victoria’s climate targets.”
“In approving this gas terminal in one of Victoria’s most loved coastal regions, Viva Energy has been given the green light to clear habitat of the critically endangered swift parrot and the threatened grey-headed flying fox.”
“Efficient electric appliances, powered by renewable energy backed by storage, are by far the cheapest way to keep our homes and businesses running.”