In response to the oil refinery fire in Corio, Australian Conservation Foundation climate and energy program manager Gavan McFadzean said:
“The war in Iran has shown how dependent Australia is on dirty, expensive fossil fuels.
“This terrible oil refinery fire, which is now spewing toxic smoke into Geelong and surrounds, is another reminder that fossil fuels are risky, polluting and dangerous.
“Fortunately there are no reports of injuries to date and we thank the firefighters and responders for putting themselves on the line to keep people safe.
“There is an urgent need for Australia to get off fossil fuels and become energy independent by investing in renewables built in the right places.
“The best way for Australia to have energy independence and for people to save money is through the sun and the wind.
“We can free ourselves from the global fuel squeeze by choosing a future where cars, houses and industry are powered by the sun and the wind.”