Hundreds of Geelong community members gathered last weekend to make a powerful statement about Viva Energy’s proposed gas import terminal.
Organised by Geelong Renewables Not Gas (GRNG), a coalition of community organisations and groups including schools, environmental organisations and residents groups, the event saw attendees form a human sign saying ‘no gas terminal’.
The message was directed to the Victorian Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny, who will soon make a decision on the future of the gas terminal project.
The family-friendly picnic protest, held at North Shore’s Moorpanyal Park on Sunday, February 23, included addresses from campaign coordinator Karina Donkers and others, as well as live music performances from Sarah Carroll and Wayne Jury.
Ms Donkers said seeing so many people turn out to voice their opposition to the terminal was fantastic.
“It really sends a strong message to the Planning Minister,” she said.
“We formed a really powerful image, spelling out ‘no gas terminal’, which really showcases our community’s deep concerns and their incredible passion for protecting our bay, community safety and addressing the climate crisis instead of fueling it.
“It demonstrates the strong opposition to this project and lack of social licence for it to go ahead.
“We’re calling on the Victorian government to listen to the people of Geelong and the surrounding regions and make the right decision to reject this proposal.”
Ms Donkers said GRNG had been trying to organise a meeting with Ms Kilkenny, but so far the minister had not accepted the organisation’s invitation.
Visit geelongrenewablesnotgas.org for more information on the campaign.
Matt Hewson
