In May 2025, the Victorian Government approved a new floating gas terminal off the coast of Geelong, despite community opposition and the project’s marine environment and climate impacts. Write to your Victorian State MP to ask them to oppose this project!

Background/Context:

In 2021, Viva Energy proposed a liquified natural gas (LNG) import terminal be built next to the Geelong Refiners in Corio Bay. According to Viva, this includes extension of the existing refinery pier; localised dredging (moving sediment from the ocean floor) to accommodate LNG tankers, a floating gas terminal, and approximately 6.5km of new pipelines. 

Corio Bay is a unique marine environment including ecologically-important seagrass beds and an internationally-significant Ramsar wetland, both of which would be severely impacted by construction of the gas terminal, particularly the dredging required for LNG tankers to be able to access the development. The Victorian government has already rejected a gas terminal in Western Port Bay because of "unacceptable" risks to the marine environment. 

Viva Energy submitted an Environmental Effects Statement (EES) to the Minister for Planning in 2022. This was found deficient, and the company was required to undertake a supplementary EES to better explore the effects of the project on marine ecosystems, cultural heritage, air quality and noise. This revision has been submitted and an Inquiry and Advisory Committee has been appointed by the Minister for Planning. The Inquiry and Advisory Committee submitted a report to the Minister on 12 March 2025, which was released on May 30, 2025. 

The community took a powerful stand throughout this process, submitting objections and rallying hundreds in protest. 

Despite community concerns, the Victorian Government approved the project in May 2025. Viva Energy is still yet to decide whether they want to proceed with the project based on the potential revenue. 

Why is this important?

• 2024 was the warmest year on record, as reported by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) in January 2025. Gas is a key greenhouse gas emitter contributing to climate  change.
• When the world is facing a climate emergency, it is critical to transition away from fossil fuels and invest in sustainable energy solutions. Allowing infrastructure development like Viva’s gas terminal at Corio Bay commits Australia to a fossil fuel future.
• We don’t need more gas produced or imported and there is no shortage according to AEMO. Governments can help households switch to cheaper, cleaner energy and efficient electric heating so people can both save on their energy bills and cut pollution.

Who to contact:

• Your Victorian State MPs (check here if you don’t know who your local member is)
• Victorian Planning Minister The Hon Sonya Kilkenny: [email protected]; (03) 9773 2727
• Victorian Minister for Energy and Resources, and Minister for Climate Action Lily D’Ambrosio: [email protected] (03) 9422 5171

Resources

• Email example below and General email template here to write your own from scratch
• Guidelines and tips for writing emails

Actions you can take:

1. Email your MP or relevant Minister:

If you need some help getting started with your email, here is an example.

Please don’t copy it exactly - personalise it and tailor it to the MP you are writing to. 

In addition, when writing to a Minister or Shadow Minister, start by saying that you’re writing to them in their role as Minister for xxxx, otherwise they will probably just forward your email to your local MP.

[MP name]

[Member for …. or  Minister for ….]

Dear …

[Include a personal statement - who you are and why you care]

I am writing to express my objections to the recently approved Viva gas terminal at Corio Bay. I believe that this is the wrong direction for this state to take, and I am calling on you to advocate to the Planning Minister to reject Viva’s terminal – like was done for the almost identical proposal by AGL in Westernport Bay. The terminal threatens the safety of local residents, the health of the environment of Corio bay, and increases the impacts of climate change. 

I am particularly concerned about the future we are creating if we continue to approve fossil fuel projects. The science is clear: fossil fuels have to remain in the ground if we are to avoid the worst consequences of climate change. It’s inconsistent and illogical to be increasing renewable generation while also approving fossil fuel projects. Renewables need to displace fossil fuels from the energy mix of our state. 

This area is also a unique marine environment that includes ecologically-important seagrass beds and an internationally-significant Ramsar wetland, both of which would be severely impacted by construction of the gas terminal, particularly the dredging required for LNG tankers to be able to access the development. 

Your government has taken laudable measures to increase the amount of renewable energy generation in this state — but more is still needed to mitigate the climate emergency. I am asking you to call on the Planning Minister and explain the significant objections to this project outlined in this letter and why this is the wrong direction for the State of Victoria. 

Will you let me know your position on Viva’s gas terminal and the response you receive from the Planning Minister? 

Will you be vocal on the issue and reject Viva Energy’s proposal for a floating gas terminal?

I look forward to your response.

Sincerely,

Your name,

address,

phone number

(required if you want a response)

Hi, my name is ….. and I’m a voter in [your electorate].

I’d like to speak to …..[name of MP]

(Staffer will probably say: I’m sorry they’re not available, can I take a message?)

Yes, thank you! Would you please pass on my message and tell them... (e.g.)

• I am concerned about the future we are creating if we continue to approve fossil fuel projects. The science is clear: fossil fuels have to remain in the ground if we are to avoid the worst consequences of climate change.
• We know gas is not a transition fuel, and we need to stop all new coal, oil and gas developments if we want to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. Allowing infrastructure development like Viva’s gas terminal at Corio Bay commits Australia to a fossil fuel future.
• I know there has been a consistent, ongoing level of public opposition to the proposed gas terminal but it seems the government isn’t responding to this 
• This area is a unique marine environment that includes ecologically-important seagrass beds and an internationally-significant Ramsar wetland, both of which would be severely impacted by construction of the gas terminal, particularly the dredging required for LNG tankers to be able to access the development.

Thank you!

How does the ocean store carbon?