Two environmental protesters climbed onto the garage roof of the boss of an energy company and draped a banner over his garage door that read: ‘The earth is not dying it is being murdered’.
The women were seen trespassing at Viva Energy CEO Scott Wyatt’s Edithvale home, 28 km southeast of Melbourne, on Thursday morning.
The pair demanded that ‘big polluters like Viva Energy’ be held accountable for climate destruction.
The protest was in response to the Victorian government’s decision in May to give environmental approval for a proposed floating gas terminal off the coast of Geelong.
The Viva Energy floating gas terminal project, to be built in Corio Bay, has been opposed by environmental groups.
From the roof of the Viva Energy CEO’s home on Thursday, Dr Colette Harmsen said: ‘I’m here today because the people who are destroying our planet have names and addresses.’
‘The CEOs and owners of fossil fuel corporations have made immense profits from polluting our atmosphere,’ Dr Harmsen said.
‘It is time for fossil fuel executives like Scott Wyatt to be held accountable for the climate emergency. The crisis for every living thing on this planet is real, and it is happening now.’
The two protesters on top of Scott Wyatt’s home on Thursday morning
Dr Harmsen and ‘Justice’ said Scott Wyatt needed to be held accountable for the climate emergency
Dr Harmsen argued that Viva’s plans to dredge a channel in Corio Bay will cause significant damage to marine life.
The government has previously said that the Viva Energy Gas Import Terminal Project would shore up the state’s gas supply, which is expected to be in shortfall by 2029.
A liquefied natural gas (LNG) storage ship will be docked in Corio Bay off Refinery Pier, and seven kilometres of new pipeline will link up to the existing gas network.
The Viva Energy Terminal can receive around 88 per cent of Victoria’s 2024 gas consumption.
On Thursday, fellow roof protester ‘Justice’, a 24-year-old climate and human rights activist, asked where Mr Wyatt’s respect for homes was.
‘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. Viva CEO Scott Wyatt stands to profit from harming the only known planet that supports life. ‘
Scott Wyatt has more than 30 years’ experience in the oil and gas sector
The pair were joined by supporters who opposed Viva Energy’s gas terminal
Justice claimed the gas terminal was a threat to millions of people ‘who will become climate refugees if we do not take serious action to transition away from fossil fuels’.
‘Scott Wyatt is a climate criminal. His victims include everyone who calls this planet home,’ she said.
Just last month it was reported in The Australian that Viva Energy might walk away from its proposed liquefied natural gas import terminal in Victoria.
Viva claimed it needed access to the South West Pipeline, owned by infrastructure company APA Group, before it could start building the new project in Corio Bay.
Victoria Police told Daily Mail: ‘Police were called to a private residence in Edithvale, about 10.30am after reports of a demonstration. Officers are currently speaking to all parties involved. At this stage there have been no arrests.’
A Viva Energy spokesperson told Daily Mail: ‘Viva Energy condemns the actions of protesters who have targeted the private homes and families of any member of the community, including its employees.’
‘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 said.
‘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.
‘We encourage all people who are genuinely interested in respectful engagement and the safety of our community, to condemn these actions.’
The spokesperson also confirmed Viva Energy was continuing to work towards delivering the gas terminal in time to prevent a gas shortfall in Victoria.
