Protest in the Park: Human Sign to show strength against the Gas Import Terminal

Join us for Protest in the Park, a major public gathering to create a Human Sign to show our collective strength and opposition to Viva Energy's proposed gas import terminal in Corio Bay. This is our final opportunity to make our voices heard before the Minister for Planning, Sonya Kilkenny announces her decision following the SEES hearing and IAC recommendations.

Event Details

Location: Moorpanyal Park, The Esplanade, North Shore 

Date: Sunday 23 February

Time: 12.00 - 2.30pm

This peaceful and family-friendly event will feature:

• Community Picnic and Gathering: Enjoy live local music, and speeches from local leaders and campaigners.
• Human Sign Formation: Hundreds of attendees will form a massive human sign in the park, a striking visual symbol of opposition to the terminal.

This creative, community-focused protest is timed to bring public and media attention before the final decision on the proposal is made, and to demonstrate the overwhelming opposition to this project.

Why This Matters

We are in a climate emergency. With 2024 being one of the hottest years on record, the time for decisive action is now. Projects like the Viva Energy Gas Import Terminal push us backward, when we need to move forward. Here's why this project is deeply problematic:

1. A Disaster for the Climate
   
   
   • This project will considerably increase Victoria’s emissions. 
   • It locks us into fossil fuel dependence at a time when we urgently need to transition to renewable energy and toward net-zero emissions. 
2. Safety and Navigation Risks
   
   
   • The terminal would be dangerously close to North Shore homes, putting over 30,000 residents at risk.
   • Corio Bay’s shipping channel is too shallow and narrow for LNG tankers, resulting in further dredging required and increasing the likelihood of accidents and environmental disasters.
3. Deficient Environmental Assessments
   
   
   • Viva Energy’s marine and noise studies were deficient, with significant gaps and unresolved concerns identified by peer reviews.

Why Your Presence is Critical

The fossil fuel industry is ramping up its fear-based campaigns, claiming we are at risk of running out of gas. But this narrative ignores the truth: we have the technology and opportunity to invest in electrification and renewable energy. We must stand together to demand:

• No new fossil fuel projects.
• Real action on climate change.
• Protection for our communities and environment.

This is a key opportunity to make your voice heard before the Planning Minister makes her big decision. This is about building a resilient, innovative and climate-safe future for Geelong and beyond.

A Peaceful Protest

We are here to express our opposition respectfully and peacefully. No inappropriate behavior will be tolerated. Together, we can demonstrate that our community stands united for a better future.

Let’s show our strength, build our movement, and send a clear message: Geelong deserves better than a future tied to fossil fuels. Be part of the change. Bring your friends, family and community spirit.

Disclaimer: By signing up for this event you will be subscribed to Geelong Sustainability's and ACF Geelong email lists.