Environment Effects Statement process is set to begin for the Western Victoria Transmission Network Project.
AusNet Services has welcomed the decision by the Victorian Minister for Planning that an Environment Effects Statement (EES) is required for the Western Victorian Transmission Network Project.
An EES is an environmental impact assessment process that provides an important opportunity for consideration of a range of potential environmental impacts. These environmental factors include the physical, biological, heritage, cultural, social, health, safety and economic aspects of the environment, and the wider ecological and physical systems in which people live.
An EES is the most robust environmental impact assessment process a project can undergo in Victoria and provides important opportunities for community input and the consideration of a range of potential environmental impacts.
In addition, the EES provides for the analysis of potential effects on environment and how we are proposing to avoid, minimise and manage any adverse impacts. This process will help us strike the right balance between minimising impact to the local environment while unlocking renewable energy sources and major economic investment in western Victoria. Further information and next steps on the EES process including opportunities for community input will soon be on our website.
Despite Covid-19 impacting on face-to-face engagement, the project is committed to ongoing consultation and appreciate that the community has adjusted to the online environment in these challenging times.
Our online mapping tool has so far elicited more than 2,000 interactions, providing valuable information to the project. We would like to thank everyone who has contributed and taken time to share their local knowledge at this critical time in the development of the project.
If you, or anyone you know in your community, would like support using these online tools, or if you would prefer to share your feedback over the phone, please call our project hotline 9021 0674.
In addition to the EES decision, an Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (EPBC) referral for this project has also been lodged. You also have an opportunity to provide comment on this referral process.
The EPBC referral can be found at http://epbcnotices.environment.gov.au/referralslist/(External link)
Information on how to make a public comment on the EPBC referral can be found at http://epbcnotices.environment.gov.au/