For some time now, the proposed gas import terminal at Crib Point has been highly controversial for local residents.
This project warranted consideration due to Daniel Andrews’ senseless moratorium on conventional onshore gas exploration, which saw average Victorian gas prices rise by over 125 percent between December 2014 and December 2019.
The Victorian Liberal Nationals have today announced they oppose the Crib Point gas import terminal for three reasons:
- To support local residents who oppose the project at Crib Point
- There are serious environmental concerns with the proposed route which seem not to be adequately addressed
- The legally recognised indigenous traditional owner group opposes the project
Local opposition is evident, as shown in the public submissions received by the Department of Planning regarding the proposal, and by the local Mornington Peninsula Shire Council’s forceful objections.
The Department has received over 6,058 submissions about this proposal. The overwhelming majority of those opposed it.
Further, Mornington Peninsula Shire reflected this opposition (p 3), stating:
[The proposal] is deeply unpopular and has no social license from the local community.
The Bass Coast Shire Council said in its submission [at 4.1]:
4.1 The project has the potential for serious impacts on the marine environment and biodiversity of Western Port.
Finally, the relevant recognised traditional owner group, represented by the Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation, damningly found:
9.1 AGL/APA’s construction and operations as proposed in their EES and the Biosis assessment do not attempt to avoid harm and do not sufficiently minimise harm to Aboriginal Cultural heritage and have not met the requirement under the Environment Effects Act 1978.
While AGL and the Andrews Government claimed the project would create local jobs, it was revealed that any jobs created would require specific skills and likely be filled from within AGL’s existing workforce.
Comments attributable to Shadow Minister for Resources, Ryan Smith:
“Labor’s moratorium on gas exploration and development has left Victoria short of supply. This has resulted in rising gas prices, further burdening household budgets.
“Labor’s panicked response is to support a project which completely ignores the concerns of the local community and indigenous group, and seems to overlook its environmental impacts.”
Comments attributable to Member for Hastings, Neale Burgess:
“My community has been telling Labor for years it don’t want this project. Why isn’t Daniel Andrews listening?
“The Victorian Liberal Nationals strongly oppose the creation of a gas import terminal at Crib Point.”
