Climate activists protest Viva Energy CEO's home over Geelong LNG terminal plan

Two environmental protesters climbed onto the garage roof of Viva Energy chief executive Scott Wyatt's Edithvale home on Thursday, draping a banner that read 'The earth is not dying it is being murdered.' The women were seen trespassing at the CEO's Edithvale residence, about 28 km southeast of Melbourne, as they demanded that big polluters be held accountable for climate destruction.

The protest followed Victoria's May approval of a floating gas terminal off the coast of Geelong. The Viva Energy project would be built in Corio Bay, with an LNG storage ship docked offshore and seven kilometers of new pipeline linking to the existing gas network. Government officials say the terminal would help shore up Victoria's gas supply, which is expected to be in shortfall by 2029.

From the roof, Colette Harmsen said: 'I'm here today because the people who are destroying our planet have names and addresses.' She and the other demonstrator, who used the alias Justice, argued that Viva Energy's plans to dredge a channel in Corio Bay would harm marine life and that fossil fuel executives should be held to account.

The two protesters were joined by supporters who oppose Viva Energy's gas terminal and have campaigned against it for four years. Justice, a 24-year-old climate and human rights activist, challenged Wyatt's respect for homes and said Viva's gas-terminal plans threaten Corio Bay and the broader community. 'Viva is a threat to country, with plans for further destruction of stolen land for pipelines and other infrastructure,' she said. 'Viva is threatening Corio Bay, home to our sea kin. Viva's gas terminal threatens the entire community, who have opposed this new fossil fuel project for four years. Viva's gas terminal will emit huge amounts of CO2 during a climate emergency. Wyatt stands to profit from harming the only known planet that supports life.'

Victoria's government notes the terminal would be able to receive a large share of the state's gas demand; Viva Energy's terminal could receive around 88 per cent of Victoria's 2024 gas consumption, according to project statements.

The site would host a liquefied natural gas storage ship and seven kilometers of pipeline feeding into the existing network. The government says the project is intended to shore up supply, while environmental groups have opposed it for years, citing potential damage to marine ecosystems and broader climate impacts.

Last month The Australian reported that Viva Energy might walk away from the proposed terminal, with Viva saying it needed access to the South West Pipeline, owned by APA Group. The Daily Mail contacted Viva for comment about the protesters and the project’s future. Victoria Police said officers were called to a business on Lilliput Lane, Edithvale, around 10:30 a.m. after reports of a demonstration. Officers are engaging with all parties involved, and there have been no arrests at this stage.