Corio Bay gas import terminal
Ellen SANDELL (Melbourne) (14:19): My question is to the Minister for Planning. Sitting on the minister’s desk at the moment is an application from Viva Energy to build a new gas terminal at Corio Bay. There has been huge community opposition to this project. Victoria cannot meet our emissions reduction targets if this new gas project is approved. Will the minister reject Viva’s application for a new fossil gas project here in Victoria?
Sonya KILKENNY (Carrum – Minister for Planning, Minister for Outdoor Recreation) (14:20): I thank the member for her question. This is my first question in this place, and I am delighted to be here as the Minister for Planning. We know that planning really just captures the hearts and minds of all communities. It impacts on the future livability of our state, of our communities. We heard some fantastic inaugural speeches in here that spoke about the need for good planning to develop and to foster healthy communities and support the wellbeing of those communities as well. When planning is done well, it does support those communities. When planning is done poorly, it can have a negative impact on those communities through their health and wellbeing. We on this side and in my department take a responsible approach to planning. Matters are considered on their merits, as is appropriate. Stakeholder views are taken into account.
In relation to the Viva Energy application, I can let the member know that a report from the independent inquiry and advisory committee has been received, and it has advised that there is not enough information to determine whether the project has an acceptable or an unacceptable level of environmental impact. I have been left with no choice, and I have sent letters to this effect – I have been left with no choice but to advise Viva that an additional environment effects statement will need to be prepared. The committee’s report will be publicly released. It is then up to the proponent whether it wishes to embark on that further environment effects statement, and I will leave that entirely with the proponent in this case.
Members interjecting.
The SPEAKER: Order! Member for South Barwon!
Ellen SANDELL (Melbourne) (14:22): I thank the minister very much for her answer. The proposed project will either import fracked gas from other states or reimport gas from Victoria that was originally sent to Queensland for export. This obviously produces emissions all along the supply chain in the mining, the transport and the burning of the gas. The government does not actually have to take into account our emission reduction targets when deciding on the outcome of the project, because the project was proposed before the emission targets were set, but the minister does actually have the discretion to consider emission reduction targets if she chooses. Will the minister take into account Victoria’s emission reduction targets in deciding ultimately if the project does go ahead or not?
Members interjecting.
The SPEAKER: The member for South Barwon is warned again.
Sonya KILKENNY (Carrum – Minister for Planning, Minister for Outdoor Recreation) (14:23): I thank the member for her supplementary question. I think the response to the main principal question has answered the matter adequately here. As I said, the advisory committee came back to say that there was insufficient information in this case to determine whether the project had an acceptable or an unacceptable level of environmental impact. In this case, I had no choice but to go back to Viva to say if you want to pursue and proceed with this project you will need to conduct a supplementary EES. There is nothing further we can add to that.