Lawyers at Environmental Justice Australia (EJA), representing Environment Victoria, Victorian National Parks Association and Save Westernport, are celebrating an environmental win with the Victorian government’s rejection of AGL’s plan for a floating storage and regasification unit off Crib Point in Westernport Bay.
The current win followed exhaustive community efforts, scientific research and ministerial requests by hundreds of individuals and community groups.
Virginia Trescowthick, Lawyer, Environmental Justice Australia said:
“As far as we’re aware, this is only the second time a proposal has been rejected by a Minister under the Environmental Effects Statement legislation.
The Minister’s reasons for rejection are consistent with the issues we raised on behalf of our clients, and speak to how inappropriate this proposal was. It should never have progressed to this stage, especially given this is an internationally recognised wetland under the Ramsar Convention.
“Minister Wynne assessment reflects the overwhelming and sustained opposition from a broad alliance of groups including scientists, residents, tourism and fishing businesses, and our clients. We congratulate all of those involved for their perseverance and dedication.
“We will be closely monitoring the federal government’s response to Minister Wynne’s announcement to ensure that their decision is consistent with the Minister’s assessment and the overwhelming community opposition to the project.”
Minister Wynne’s assessment can be found here.
Media contact: Kate Lewis, (03) 8341 3110, [email protected]