Call to dump Viva’s hub plan for bay

GEELONG Sustainability is calling on locals to petition the state Planning Minister Richard Wynne to reject a gas import terminal proposed by Viva Energy for Corio Bay.

The proposal was the subject of a briefing hosted by the community group this week and attended by more than 100 people.

Last June, Viva Energy revealed its vision for a new energy hub, including a gas terminal using a floating storage and regasification unit to supply a new source of gas; an extension of the existing refinery pier and localised dredging to accommodate the new berth and ship turning; and a new gas pipeline.

Geelong Sustainability’s Sally Fisher said the number of people who attended this week’s briefing “exceeded our expectations and indicates significant community concern about the gas import terminal”.

“Viva’s proposal takes our community in the wrong direction,” Ms Fisher said.

“Fossil fuels like gas and coal are on the way out. Viva should focus on 100 per cent clean energy instead.”

The petition has launched online.

A Viva Energy spokesman said the gas terminal project was an exciting development for Geelong and a part of Viva’s vision for an energy hub at the refinery site.

“Refining has been challenged for a number of years, including the significant impacts on fuel demands and refinery operations as a result of COVID,” he said.

“The development of the energy hub and projects such as the gas terminal will help to diversify the use and earnings from the refinery site — which are important to help with the been refinery’s long-term viability, support the transition to lower emissions energy sources and hundreds of highly skilled jobs.”

The spokesman said Viva Energy was committed to paying particular attention to environmental matters and any community concerns regarding the project through community engagement and the environmental effects statement (EES) process.

“Environmental studies will play a key part in the EES process and Viva Energy will be using these studies to better understand any impacts from the project as well as any strategies to avoid, minimise or mitigate these impacts,” he said.

Viva Energy said further details about upcoming community engagement opportunities could be found at vivaenergy.com.au/energyhub.