The Committee for Geelong recognises the need for a sustainable transition to renewable sources of energy.
In our strategic framework, the Committee supports the municipal target of net zero emissions by 2035 and is committed to supporting members and business in achieving this.
The Committee is also committed to supporting business and new industry growth, along with driving social outcomes for Geelong. As we drive towards a net zero future, the energy transition is not moving at the speed required to enable industry growth, sustain business, nor support households and business in the Geelong region reliant on gas.
While our future should focus on renewable forms of energy, we cannot ignore the needs of the here and now. Victoria, including Geelong, is forecasted to face gas shortages in coming years, and this poses a range of health and economic risks that cannot be ignored.
There are a range of potential solutions to this shortage; each with its advantages and disadvantages. When considering these options we believe the use of domestic-sourced gas is an appropriate solution, however we understand the current infrastructure does not make this option available.
As such we believe the importation of gas into Victoria at the Port of Geelong presents a credible and achievable option that should be considered alongside other import options and/or infrastructure modification-based solutions.
Once accepting the importation of gas into Victoria is required, the Committee believes Geelong, as a city and region, would benefit from the economic impact of this importation occurring locally.
Our support of any gas importation within Geelong would be subject to the proposal meeting appropriate health, safety, environmental, and cultural regulations.
Further, our support is based on the understanding any importation is designed to be temporary in nature and would operate only as long as required.