The Victorian Government are dumb as a box of machetes, but even...

The Victorian Government are dumb as a box of machetes, but even they know they need gas. This from the Herald Sun today:


Allan government gives the green light to mega gas project in Geelong

A giant floating terminal capable of storing enough gas to supply Victoria for almost a year has been approved by the state government, as Jacinta Allan hit back at the energy boss who compared Victoria to North Korea.



A giant floating terminal capable of storing enough gas to supply Victoria for almost a year has been approved by the Allan government.

The mega project, first proposed by Viva Energy in 2020, would include an LNG storage ship, an extension of the Geelong refinery pier, and a 7km pipeline to connect to the existing network.

The green light allowed Premier Jacinta Allan to clap back at the head of gas giant Santos, who had compared Victoria to North Korea earlier in the week, saying his “smears” were driven by a fear of competition.

Import terminals have been put forward as part of a plan to tackle gas supply woes expected later this decade in Victoria, where more than 2 million households and businesses use the fuel source to heat homes and cook.

The national market operator has warned that shortages are likely once power stations at Yallourn in Victoria and Eraring in NSW are retired, because renewables are unlikely to be ready to take over and gas will be needed to keep the lights on.

The Viva Energy floating gas terminal near Geelong Picture: Supplied.But environmental groups have campaigned hard against the $250m terminal, which went through two environmental assessments following concerns raised during an initial process.

On Thursday night Ms Allan told a Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry event that the terminal at Refinery Pier in Corio Bay was now “one step closer” and that “securing much needed additional gas supply is an energy decision”.