We anticipate that the EES will be published sometime in the first quarter of 2023

Hepburn Shire council will be sending out comms when the EES draft is close to being finalized and when it is on exhibition.

When the EES is on exhibition it will be an important opportunity for members of the community who are opposed to Ausnet’s project to submit a formal objection.

The Minister for Planning has already indicated that an enquiry will be appointed to review all submissions. This enquiry will then prepare a report for the Minister to assist with making a final decision.

Anyone can make a submission and we want to help the members of our community make robust objections.

There have been several occasions when the minister’s assessment has concluded that substantial aspects of a proposal needed to change, ultimately modifying the shape of a project.

Public participation is integral to environmental impact assessment. It is not uncommon for a project that goes through an EES to be shaped by the community participation. A proponent may respond to information that emerges from the EES. What is most important is not the volume of submissions but the weight and validity of what they are saying.

When the EES is on exhibition the community will have 6 weeks to submit their objection via the Engage Victoria web page.