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Environment Effects Statement
VicGrid is undertaking environmental assessments to inform the preparation of an Environment Effects Statement (EES) – a comprehensive investigation of the project’s potential environmental, social, economic and cultural impacts.
Through a coordinated process accredited via a Bilateral Assessment Agreement between the Commonwealth and the State of Victoria, the EES will include assessment of matters of national environmental significance protected under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth) (EPBC Act).
At the end of the EES process, the Victorian Minister for Planning will issue an assessment of the project and its effects. This will be provided to Victorian decision-makers, as well as the Australian Government to inform their decision making.
Read more about how potential environmental impacts are assessed in the assessing environmental impacts factsheet.
Assessing what is important to Gippsland communities in the EES
Public consultation is a key part of the planning and environment assessment process.
There will be opportunities throughout the preparation of the EES to provide feedback and contribute to our understanding of local environmental and social issues.
EES scoping requirements
The scoping requirements outline the environmental matters that will be investigated and documented in the EES. They are designed to ensure all relevant issues are considered, with a focus on potential significant impacts and key environmental concerns.
Draft scoping requirements were open for public comment from 20 March 2025 to 10 April 2025. After considering public submissions on the draft scoping requirements, the Minister for Planning approved final scoping requirements in June 2025.
After considering public submissions on the draft scoping requirements, the Minister for Planning approved final scoping requirements in June 2025.
Technical studies
There will be 17 technical studies included as part of the Environmental Effects Statement.
Learn more
For more information on planning and environment assessments visit:
- DTP’s webpage on environment effect statements in Victoria.
- The Commonwealth Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water web pages on public comments and decisions on actions referred under the EPBC Act and bilateral agreement for environmental assessments.
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Page last updated: 13/10/25