Mornington Peninsula Shire Council has described today’s decision by the State Government to reject AGL’s proposed gas project at Crib Point as proof of the power of a community. In a statement, the council said the proposed gas plant posed a major threat to the environment and amenity of Western Port, prompting the council and the community to mount an unprecedented campaign against it.

“Today’s decision by Planning Minister Richard Wynne to reject the gas project on environmental grounds has been met with widespread elation across the Mornington Peninsula,” it said. But it added: “While (the) council has welcomed Minister Wynne’s decision, the report also needs to be considered by other Victorian and federal decision-makers, including the Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change, EPA, Aboriginal Victoria and the Commonwealth Minister for the Environment.”

Mayor Despi O’Connor said she was “so relieved the State Government has listened to our concerns”. “The community was horrified at the potential impacts of this gas plant on our precious environment and on the amenity of our townships. We are delighted that common sense has prevailed. This is proof of the power we as a community can have if we work together to protect what’s most important to us.”

Cr O’Connor thanked the Save Westernport community group and Nepean state Labor MP Chris Brayne “for their work towards achieving this great outcome for the community”.

Cr Lisa Dixon, whose ward includes Crib Point, said: “I’m so happy and proud that as a community we were able to get our message across about how precious and important Western Port’s marine environment is. (It) is a world-class environmental gem and it deserves better. I commend (Mr) Wynne for choosing not to risk the health of our bay.”