Ash Bolt
Geelong Red Rebels will be hosting a silent protest of Viva Energy’s proposed gas project at the Geelong Waterfront this weekend.
On Saturday afternoon the Red Rebels will make their way slowly and silently down the fountain steps and proceed to the promenade where they will form a number of tableaux “to raise public awareness of the damaging impacts the gas terminal will have to our climate and marine environment”, a spokesperson said.
“We the Geelong Red Rebels care deeply about the planet, its people, the emerging climate emergency and the environment. We believe the proposed Viva Gas Terminal is a disaster for Geelong, its people and its environment,” they said.
“Gas is a polluting fuel that contributes to the climate crisis, many locals are concerned about the safety of this terminal and how close it is to residents and suburbs.
“The terminal is a threat to marine life and local fishing, and is an unacceptable risk to Geelong.
“Renewables are the answer for a cheaper and cleaner fuel for Geelong, Australia and the planet.”
The spokesperson said the action took place in the wake of COP26, where prominent public figures including the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, Pope Francis and Queen Elizabeth called on world leaders to phase out production and use of fossil fuels, including gas.
A Viva Energy spokesperson said the company supported people’s right to protest the project, but said the terminal would be beneficial for the region.
“Viva Energy supports people’s right to protest as long as it is peaceful and respects the community and our employees,” they said.
“Viva Energy is proposing to build a gas terminal adjacent to our refinery in Corio which would provide a flexible, economic and secure replacement supply of gas for south-eastern Victoria.
“The majority of households in Victoria rely on gas for heating, cooking and hot water and gas does and will increasingly play a critical role in underpinning more renewable energy generation (along with battery storage and pumped hydro) as coal power plants retire.
“Victoria’s Bass Strait gas supply is declining as reported by the Australian Energy Market Operator, which could have an impact on prices and also lead to gas not being available for homes and industry when we need it.
“Geelong is a strong location for a gas terminal because we have a skilled workforce, good port access and are close to the biggest markets for gas – Geelong and Melbourne – with the main gas line passing right in front of the refinery, so we can feed gas straight into it.
“This is great for Geelong and the local economy because it means more jobs and investment in the region. It also means Geelong will have an important role to play in being an energy gateway for Victoria.
“We are undertaking the regulatory approvals process at the moment – called an Environment Effects Statement, which is a very thorough examination of the project covering topics such as safety and the environment. These studies are showing that we can operate the gas terminal safely and with minimal impact to the environment.
“We will only proceed with building the terminal if it can be operated safely – we know that is important to the community and it is equally important for us and for our employees.
“Our refinery has been part of the Geelong community for nearly 70 years and Viva Energy has an excellent safety record in managing Major Hazard Facilities. That experience and knowledge will help us run a safe and valuable asset that will benefit households and industrial users of gas in south-eastern Australia.”
