Commonwealth environmental approvals (EPBC Act)

If a project (known as a ‘proposed action’) is likely to have a significant impact on one or more matters of national environmental significance (MNES) identified in the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act), a referral is made to the federal Minister for the Environment.

The VMFRP submitted separate referrals for each of the nine project sites. The Minister decided that each proposed action is likely to have a significant impact on MNES, such as potential impacts to threatened species such as the regent parrot and Murray cod. The proposed action therefore needs approval under the EPBC Act and is known under the Act as a ‘controlled action’.

Under a bilateral agreement between the Commonwealth and Victoria, the EES process is accredited to assess impacts on MNES, minimising duplication and saving time and resources.

More information

View the EPBC referrals on the DAWE website (Lower Murray Water is listed as the project proponent).

Learn more about the assessment and approval process under the EPBC Act.

Have your say

If you have any thoughts or questions on the EPBC process, email the project team at info@vmfrp.vic.gov.au and we’ll put you in touch with the right person.

Acknowledgement to Country

The Victorian Murray Floodplain Restoration Project (VMFRP) acknowledges and respects Traditional Owners, Aboriginal communities and organisations. We recognise the diversity of their cultures and the deep connections they have with Victoria’s lands and waters.

We value partnerships with them for the health of people and country.

VMFRP management and staff pay their respects to Elders past and present, and recognise the primacy of Traditional Owners’ obligations, rights and responsibilities to use and care for their traditional lands and waters.