How the final route will be developed for consideration and assessment as part of the Environment Effects Statement (EES). This timeline outlines where the project is currently at in that process.
Activity
Description
March 2021
Community Consultation Groups.
Three geographically based Community Consultation Groups (CCGs) to be formed. The CCGs will be chaired by an independent Chairperson under an agreed Terms of Reference, with the aim of enhancing communication both within the community and between the community and the project. Link to CCG nomination form westvictnp.com.au/get-involved
Mid 2021
Single preferred corridor defined based on the corridor with the least constraints.
A single corridor will be identified through additional desktop studies, further consultation as well as analysis of findings from preliminary field work. Investigations and studies for the route options within the selected corridor commence.
Mid to late 2021
Final preferred route announced.
Following rigorous technical investigations and further consultation with stakeholders including community, a final preferred route with the least constraints will be identified.
Mid 2022
Referral to Inquiry.
A Public Inquiry will consider the EES together with the draft planning scheme amendment and public submissions. The inquiry will present its report with recommendations about the acceptability of environmental effects to the Victorian Minister for Planning. Stakeholders including community who have lodged a written submission will have the opportunity to present to the panel.
Late 2022
Victorian Minister for Planning’s assessment of the environmental effects.
The Victorian Minister for Planning will consider the inquiry report and make a final assessment of the environmental impacts of the proposed project.
Early 2023
Federal Minister for Environment’s decision about whether to approve controlled action under EPBC.
The Federal Minister for Environment will consider the inquiry report and State Minister’s assessment on matters of national environmental significance under the Environmental and Protection Biodiversity Act 1999.
Early 2023
Victorian Permits and Approvals decisions.
The Federal Minister for Environment will consider the inquiry report and State Minister’s assessment on matters of national environmental significance under the Environmental and Protection Biodiversity Act 1999.
“The Victorian Government supports an efficient, modern, sustainable and affordable energy system – the EES process will tell us exactly where we stand and how we can move forward, it’s important to get this right.”
Richard Wynne, Minister for Planning
“While this project is important to the future of Victoria’s power system, it’s critical we assess its environmental effects to avoid or minimise impacts on the community or the environment.”
Richard Wynne, Minister for Planning
“This will assess the proposed area between Bulgana and Sydenham through Victoria’s most transparent and rigorous environmental assessment framework.”
Richard Wynne, Minister for Planning
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Welcome to the home of Darley Power Fight. A group of residents in Darley, Coimadai and Merrimu, united against high voltage transmission towers passing through our backyard. We came together through the realisation the transmission line will divide a narrow corridor between Darley and the Lerderderg State Park; altering landscape character, causing widespread damage to critical habitat for threatened species, increasing fire risk to the Park and thousands of residents, destroy our visual amenity, harm local agriculture and will impact businesses and property values. It will completely desecrate, in a few years, what nature has taken millions of years to create.
