In operation since 1916, Viva Energy’s Newport Terminal is an important fuel storage and distribution point, supplying a third of Victoria’s fuel needs. Terminal Manager Michael Iapichello talks about the terminal’s role in both Victoria’s economy and the local community.
Viva Energy’s Newport Terminal receives fuels and solvents via pipeline from the Geelong Refinery, where they are stored awaiting distribution via road haulage across metropolitan and regional Victoria, or delivered by pipeline to Melbourne’s Tullamarine airport.
In 2016, the terminal supplied more than three billion litres of petrol, diesel, aviation fuels, solvents and lubricants around the state.
100 years in service
The first bulk fuel storage tanks at Newport were constructed in 1915, though most were completed through the 1920s. Originally the site was operating with 3 storage tanks and has grown to 25 storage tanks which are in operation now. Some of the original riveted tanks are still standing, and have received heritage listing to ensure this special piece of Melbourne’s industrial history is preserved.
Newport Terminal Manager Michael Iapichello says one of those riveted tanks is still in use today. “We have a regular maintenance check that will keep it in service for many more years.”
The site has undergone considerable changes since its opening, in response to evolving economic and technological advances. In the early days, the tanks were used to store kerosene, which was brought off ships in barrels, while in 1926 an asphalt plant was built to supply road construction.
“Over the years, the site has been used for agricultural chemicals, lubricants, manufacturing and warehousing,” says Michael, “but now we pipe fuel from Geelong, discharge it into our tanks and distribute it in bulk via road tankers. We have approximately 300 truck movements in and out of the site every day.”
A century in the community
For the past century, the terminal has been an important part of the Newport community, and has been a permanent fixture in the lives of some longstanding employees. One of those is Viva Energy’s Leanne McGuffie, whose family has more than 50 years of history with the Newport site.
“My dad loaded out of Newport Terminal from 1963, then worked for Shell as a driver until he retired in 1992,” Leanne says, adding that her brother and cousin also spent many years at Newport.
“It was very family-oriented when I starting working there in 1980. Many of us were from the local community and we knew everyone.”
Michael agrees, saying that the terminal and its employees have always been actively involved in the community, and provide grassroots support for organisations like the local cricket club.
“The Gellibrand club plays next door – we have an arrangement with them to replace any balls that are hit over the fence with new ones!” he laughs.
On a more serious note, Viva Energy partners with headspace to help local youth, and recently donated money to Gateway, a program for underprivileged kids in the region.
“The Community Liaison Group meets twice a year to discuss what’s happening at the site, future projects and any potential impact on the community,” Michael says. “We also maintain a strong working relationship with Hobsons Bay City Council, the Environment Protection Authority and the MFB, since we’re all responsible for looking after the ecology of this region.”
Technological and business improvements have resulted in many changes throughout the years, but Newport Terminal remains an integral part of the local community and Victoria’s economy.
Photograph courtesy of The University of Melbourne Archives BATCH/FILE/IMAGE NUMBER (i.e. 2008.0045 BWP/0510)
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