A controversial proposed gas terminal project for Corio has the environmental green light to move forward despite community concerns.
Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny’s assessment of the Viva Energy Gas Terminal Project’s Environmental Effects Statement (EES) found that potential impacts could be managed.
The assessment, which requires strengthened management practices and mitigation measures to be adopted, advances the project towards Viva’s commercial decision to move forward pending further regulatory approval.
A Viva Energy spokesperson told the Independent that they welcomed Ms Kilkenny’s “positive assessment” of the EES, with the energy company now working to lock in commercial arrangements and seek additional regulatory approvals.
“The project offers a complete solution to the structural gas supply shortages forecast to impact on the state in coming years,” they said.
“A gas terminal would be good news for Geelong. A reliable and affordable supply of gas is critical for industry and manufacturing, supporting employment and economic growth.
“Throughout each stage of the project, Viva Energy has, and continues to remain, committed to avoid, minimise and mitigate any potential environmental effects associated with the proposal.”
Viva Energy was directed to prepare a supplementary EES in March 2023 to address key environmental concerns, with public hearings held on the project’s environmental effects from December last year to mid-January this year.
“The EES process involves an extremely rigorous assessment process to identify potential impacts of the project on the local community and the environment,” the spokesperson said.
“We will continue to be open to engaging with a diverse range of stakeholders, including environmental groups, on our business and the projects we are undertaking and to hear their views.
“It is important to Viva Energy that the project can move into the next phase with the community having full confidence that the project will not have unacceptable impacts on the environment.”
The proposed terminal has been subject to protests since the project was started regarding concerns by the Geelong community about its short- and long-term environmental impacts.
Geelong Sustainability spokesperson Jane Spence said investing in new gas infrastructure locked the state into “decades of emissions at a time when urgent climate action is needed”.
“This short-term decision has significant negative long-term impacts for our community, our environment and our collective future,” she said.
“We are incredibly disappointed by this outcome in the face of considerable community opposition… and this economic gamble could leave Victorians worse off.
“We call on the state government to invest in ambitious electrification and renewable energy solutions that provide reliable power and long-term jobs for a safer, healthier, and more sustainable future.”
