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Garrett’s Final Say On Desal

The Federal Environment Minister, Peter Garrett, has given the last environmental approval needed for the Victorian desalination plant.

By Bass Coast Shire Council - 30th March 2009 - Back to News

Bass Coast Shire Council Chief Executive Officer, Allan Bawden, said many members of the community would be very disappointed with the Federal Government’s decision.

"Given the limited terms of reference for assessing the project, this decision is not surprising," commented Mr Bawden.

"Federal legislation could only ever assess the impact of the proposal on threatened species and migratory birds that are subject to international treaties.

"Although the Minister stated that the plant will not have significant impact on these species, he has put conditions on the approval.

"Council welcomes the five year reporting regime established by the approval conditions, even though it is disappointing that this is not for the life of the plant.

"We are also pleased that management plans have to be developed to minimise impacts on certain species such as the Orange-bellied parrot and the Giant Gippsland earthworm," continued Mr Bawden.

"These will need to be approved by the Minister before construction starts on the plant later this year."

Council will be reviewing the Minister’s approval to gain a better understanding of what this means for the project and the Bass Coast community.

"Last week Council wrote to the Environment Minister raising concerns in relation to his likely decision," confirmed Mr Bawden.

"We will continue to lobby the Federal and State Government about all the ways this project will impact on our environment and our community."

Project background

Council and many members of the community had wanted an investigation that considered the fundamental issues of desalination and the broader environmental impact.

"There really has been no mechanism that allowed for a full debate into the water options available to Victorians, including alternative technologies or other locations," said Mr Bawden.

"I think the community have a right to feel let down by all the approval processes around this project."

The Federal Government decision is based on the Environment Effects Statement (EES). The EES was required to investigate the impact of the plant on controlled actions under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Act 1999 (EPBC Act). Bass Coast Shire Council always argued against the narrow terms of reference for the EES.

"Our concerns about the research undertaken as part of the EES process were clearly outlined in the Bass Coast Shire Council submission," said Mr Bawden.

"The lack of firm evidence or rigorous research in certain areas of the EES remains a concern for us."

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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