Have your say on the Belsar-Yungera and Hattah Lakes North EES

Public comment is now invited on the Environment Effects Statement (EES): Belsar-Yungera and Hattah Lakes North Floodplain Restoration Projects.

This EES is on public display along with the proposed Planning Scheme Amendment (PSA) for 30 business days. Written submissions can be made between 3 October 2022 and 11.59 pm on 14 November 2022.

How to access the EES and exhibited documents

The EES, together with a draft PSA, is now available for public comment. All documents are available to read and download on the VMFRP EES Portal. Hard copies are available at the following locations during the exhibition period:

• Lower Murray Water, 741-759 Fourteenth Street, Mildura, 3500
• Agriculture Victoria Centre Cnr Koorlong Ave & Eleventh St Irymple 3498
• Robinvale Resource Centre, 72 Herbert Street, Robinvale 3549
• Swan Hill Library, 53 Campbell Street, Swan Hill 3585
• State Library of Victoria, 328 Swanston St, Melbourne 3000

Please note the EES is a long document and the use of electronic versions is encouraged.

If you cannot access either the physical or electronic sites to view the EES and draft PSA, hard copies of specific documents may be requested free of charge by emailing us on info@vmfrp.vic.gov.au or calling 1800 808 830.

EES Information Pack

You can request a free EES information pack which includes:

• USB loaded with the complete EES and draft PSA
• Printed Summary Document

To request an information pack, email info@vmfrp.vic.gov.au or calling 1800 808 830.

Drop-in Sessions

Drop-in sessions will be held at the following locations and times:

DATE	TIME	VENUE
12 October 2022	9am to 11am	Lower Murray Water, 741–759 Fourteenth Street, Mildura, 3500
12 October 2022	1pm to 3pm	Robinvale Resource Centre, 72 Herbert Street, Robinvale 3549
19 October 2022	2pm to 4pm	Agriculture Victoria Centre, Cnr Koorlong Ave and Eleventh Street, Irymple 3498
24 October 2022	1pm to 3pm	Swan Hill Library, 53 Campbell Street, Swan Hill 3585
27 October 2022	7pm to 8pm	Online information session

Email info@vmfrp.vic.gov.au to register for the online information session.

Making a submission

Anyone can make a submission. Submissions on this EES (and the proposed PSA) must be made in writing and be received by 11:59pm on 14 November 2022. Online submissions are preferred and can be lodged via the Victorian Government’s engagement website.

Each submission is a public document and will be treated as a submission on the EES and the draft PSA. Only one submission is needed to address your views about the project, its effects and the relevant documents.

What happens when the exhibition closes?

The Minister for Planning will appoint a Standing Inquiry and Advisory Committee (SIAC) to consider the proposed nine VMFRP projects that will be referred to them via four assessment packages.

The SIAC will review the EES, the draft PSA, submissions and conduct a public hearing. It will consider the environmental effects of the EES Central projects in accordance with terms of reference issued by the Minister.

After the exhibition period, the SIAC will hold a Directions Hearing on Monday 28 November 2022 where the necessary arrangements and timetable for the public hearing will be established.

The public hearing process will begin in the week beginning Monday 16 January 2023 and will run for approximately three to four weeks (if required). Members of the public and any other parties seeking to be heard at the public hearing are required to submit a written submission and indicate on the online submission form or hardcopy submission coversheet that they would like to be heard at the hearing. Information on the SIAC, hearing process and timetable will be published as it becomes available at https://engage.vic.gov.au/VMFRP-SIAC-EES-Central.

Where to find more information

In relation to Project or EES documentation: VMFRP Lower Murray Water PO BOX 1438, Mildura 3502
Phone: 1800 808 830
Email: info@vmfrp.vic.gov.au

In relation to making a submission or the SIAC and hearing process: Planning Panels Victoria
Phone: 136 186 (select option 6)
Email: VMFRP.SIAC@delwp.vic.gov.au

In relation to the EES process: Impact Assessment Unit, DELWP
Email: environment.assessment@delwp.vic.gov.au