Environment Effects Statement
In this section
In December 2007 the Minister for Planning decided that an EES was needed for the project.
More than 80 specialist studies formed the basis of the EES. Detailed studies included flora, fauna, cultural heritage, hydrology, landscaping, design and visual impact analysis, geotechnical and marine based investigations.
Some studies began soon after the Water Plan announcement in June 2007 and were extended in response to the EES Scoping Requirements issued by the Minister for Planning in February 2008.
The EES indicates that there are many social and economic benefits for local areas and that potential environmental impacts are generally short-term and limited to the period of construction, and can be handled through appropriate management plans and mitigation measures.
The EES and EPA Works Approval Application (No. WA64404) were publicly exhibited from 20 August 2008 until 30 September 2008. Community members were invited to review the EES document and provide comments in the form of written submissions.
Details on the EES exhibition, submissions, inquiry, hearings and Minister for Planning's Assessment are available on the Department of Planning and Community Development website.
The EES contains a Summary Brochure describing the EES findings, the five volumes of the EES Main Report and the Technical Appendices. The EES Main Report can be downloaded from this section of the website.
Free CD copies of the complete EES including Technical Appendices can be obtained by calling (03) 5671 3900 or emailing desalination.project@dse.vic.gov.au.