Update – Minister’s Assessment

On 6 April 2021, the Minister for Planning completed his assessment under the Environment Effects Act 1978. The Minister’s assessment can be found here. You can also find more information on the EES process including details of the exhibition period and directions hearing held for the project.

The EES process has now concluded with the Minister’s assessment.  

The Victorian Minister for Planning determines when projects require an Environment Effects Statement (EES). An EES assesses a project’s potential for environmental, social, economic and planning impacts. It provides an approach to manage these impacts.

On 8 September 2019, the Minister has decided that the Golden Beach gas project requires an EES.

Technical Reference Group

The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning invited EPA to contribute to the EES Technical Reference Group (TRG). The TRG provides advice to the project on the preparation of the EES. The operation of an onshore compressor station is the only part of the project over which EPA has approval authority. EPA has also provided input consistent with our expertise and remit to a range of studies across the entire project.

Several technical studies have been prepared to inform the EES. While the project proponent is responsible for the completion of the technical studies, EPA reviewed certain studies and EES chapters.

EPA reviewed:

  • the study program
  • scoping requirements
  • stakeholder engagement approach.

EPA also provided input where relevant to the anticipated construction and operational effects to:

  • surface waters
  • groundwater
  • air quality
  • noise
  • marine waters
  • soil
  • greenhouse gas emissions
  • land use planning.

Assessing the project under the law

The Commonwealth Minister for the Environment found that the project needs assessment under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Commonwealth) (EPBC Act).

This is because the project has the potential for significant impact on:

  • Ramsar wetlands
  • listed threatened species and communities
  • listed migratory species.

The EES will serve as the assessment process for EPBC Act matters, under an agreement between the Commonwealth and Victorian Governments.

Read next

Golden Beach gas project

Golden Beach gas project: EPA's role

 

Reviewed 10 May 2021