Two environmental activists climbed onto the roof of Viva Energy chief executive Scott Wyatt’s garage in Edithvale on Thursday morning, draping a banner that read: “The earth is not dying it is being murdered.”
The protest took place 28 kilometers southeast of Melbourne and was staged in opposition to Viva Energy’s proposed floating gas terminal in Corio Bay, Geelong. The Victorian government granted environmental approval for the project in May, despite long-standing opposition from environmental groups.
From the roof of Mr Wyatt’s home, veterinarian and activist Dr Colette Harmsen said the action was aimed at holding fossil fuel executives directly accountable.
“I’m here today because the people who are destroying our planet have names and addresses,” Dr Harmsen said. “The CEOs and owners of fossil fuel corporations have made immense profits from polluting our atmosphere. It is time for fossil fuel executives like Scott Wyatt to be held accountable for the climate emergency.”
Dr Harmsen argued that dredging Corio Bay for the terminal would harm marine life.
She was joined by another protester who identified herself as Justice, a 24-year-old climate and human rights activist.
“Viva is a threat to country, with plans for further destruction of stolen land for pipelines and other infrastructure,” Justice said. “Viva’s gas terminal threatens the entire community, who have opposed this new fossil fuel project for four years. Scott Wyatt is a climate criminal. His victims include everyone who calls this planet home.”
The state government has defended the project, saying it is designed to secure Victoria’s future gas supply. The terminal, if built, could receive almost 88 percent of the state’s 2024 gas consumption. It would involve docking a liquefied natural gas storage ship at Refinery Pier in Corio Bay and laying a seven-kilometer pipeline to link with the existing gas network. Officials have warned Victoria could face gas shortages by 2029 without new supply sources.
Victoria Police confirmed officers attended Mr Wyatt’s residence after receiving a call at 10:30 a.m. “Police were called to a private residence in Edithvale after reports of a demonstration. Officers are currently speaking to all parties involved. At this stage there have been no arrests,” a police spokesperson said.
In response to the protest, Viva Energy condemned the targeting of its chief executive’s home.
“Viva Energy condemns the actions of protesters who have targeted the private homes and families of any member of the community, including its employees,” a company spokesperson told Daily Mail. “These acts, which have involved trespass and property damage, are intended to threaten, disrupt and intimidate individuals and their families, and risk community safety.”
The spokesperson added that the company supported public debate but urged protesters to avoid personal intimidation. “Viva Energy fully respects vigorous debate, and the rights of citizens to peaceful public protest. However, targeting and threatening people in our community only serves to escalate tensions and prevents rational public discourse.”
The company confirmed it is still working to deliver the Corio Bay gas terminal.
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