Gippsland › Latest news › East Gippsland Local News
Hearing concludes for Fingerboards Mineral Sands Project inquiry on why Environmental Effects Statement considered deficient
Hearing conclusion on the environmental effects statement.
The Minister for Planning has appointed the Fingerboards Mineral Sands Project Inquiry and Advisory Committee (IAC) to consider submission to the Environment Effects Statement (EES), draft planning scheme amendment (PSA) and the works approval application (WAA) The public hearing for the Fingerboards Mineral Sands Project Inquiry and Advisory Committee (IAC) concluded last week after 10 weeks and 36 hearing days.
An Inquiry and Advisory Committee is collecting submissions to consider the environmental effects of the proposed Fingerboards Mineral Sands Project
Social and economic outcome
East Gippsland Shire Council participated fully in the hearing, using expert witness and legal representation to seek the best environmental, social and economic outcomes for the community. Representation at the hearing was a decision of Council on 1 December 2020. In February Council indicated hearing costs were estimated at $490,000 for the initial 31-day expected hearing timeline.
Council was later briefed that the cost of legal representation for the hearing could rise to approximately $700,000, given an increase in preparation and hearing days as a result of more information being presented by other parties, the proponent introducing new material and revised expert statements and requests for adjournment.
Sought better outcome
The hearing concluded this month after 10 weeks and 36 hearing days, plus three directions hearings. Costs to Council for the IAC hearing as of 30 June are $589,000. Acting Chief Executive Officer Stuart McConnell said this is within the estimated $700,000, after an increase in hearing days and large volume of new material.
"There has also been a significant effort made by council staff to positively support the hearing process and manage the process and costs. Participation in the hearing has come with a cost, but it has allowed Council to explain why it considered the Environmental Effects Statement (EES) was deficient. We were able to use the opportunity to seek better environmental, social and economic outcomes for the community should the mine go ahead." Mr McConnell said.
Maintaining transparency
Mr McConnell said Council has maintained its transparency with the community throughout the process, and Councillors have been kept fully briefed on all costs associated with the IAC hearing throughout. "The system, including the timing of the EES, has been time consuming and resource heavy for Council, not just in terms of dollars but in terms of the staff levels to support that process," Mr McConnell said.
The IAC has 40 business days to prepare a written report for the Minister for Planning. The Minister for Planning will then decide if, and when, to release the report and the release of the Minister's Assessment of the Environmental Effects. All details and recordings relating to the hearing can be found on the Engage Victoria website. This includes Council's full submission in the 'Tabled Documents' section of the webpage.The project technical review prepared last year by Council's consultant SLR Consulting Pty Ltd and submitted to the EES process cost $140,000.
Pictures from East Gippsland Alliance.
Source: http://gippsland.com/
Published by: news@gippsland.com
Latest News
Community feedback wanted on Latrobe City Council draft 2024/2025 Budget by 6 May 2024Latrobe City kindergarten enrolments for 2025 will open on 1 May 2024 with open day on 7 May 2024
Community feedback on Urban Roads and Drainage Improvement Policy in Bass Coast Shire by 12 May 2024
Baw Baw Shire Council partners with Lifeline Gippsland to offer mental health counselling training from 10 May to 19 June
Gippsland Water unveils latest climate change strategy to reach ambitious net zero goals and address climate change effects
Martin Cameron offers Marsh/Tierney Scholarship 2024 for one Morwell high school student to adventure along the Kokoda Trail
Royal Commission needed to uncover hidden human cost of pandemic on Australians says Russell Broadbent
'Annemieke Mein exhibits life work of over 200 artworks of her life to 26 May 2024
Hazelwood mine rehabilitation plans needs local engagement says Shadow Water Minister Tim McCurdy and Martin Cameron
Outdoor pools are important to teach swimming skills and improve water safety says Wellington Shire Council Mayor Bye