EES Overview - Western Renewables Link

The Western Renewables link is subject to an Environment Effects Statement process.

Environment Effects Statement

The Environment Effects Statement (EES) will describe the proposed project and its expected environmental effects, the process undertaken to develop the project, and how we propose to avoid, mitigate or manage environmental effects.

The EES process is administered by the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP), formerly the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP), on behalf of Victoria’s Minister for Planning.

We are preparing the Western Renewables Link EES in accordance with the Ministerial guidelines for the assessment of environmental effects under the Environment Effects Act 1978 (Vic) and scoping requirements issued by the Minister for Planning for the project. We are also preparing a draft Planning Scheme Amendment, in accordance with the Planning and Environment Act 1987 (Vic).

More detailed information can be found in the Environment Effects Statement fact sheet.

Environment Effects Statement fact sheet

Environment Effects Statement (EES) considerations

Field surveys and investigations

Many field surveys and investigations have been undertaken to confirm the existing conditions and environmental sensitivities of the land and to assess the potential impacts of the project.

Read more about our field surveys in our information sheets:

Preliminary EES Information Sheets - Existing Conditions

Understanding the existing conditions within the project area of interest was the first step towards developing the impact assessment reports, which will be part of the EES.

We published Preliminary EES Information Sheets in 2021 that summarised the existing conditions based on desktops reviews, field surveys and investigations carried out by engineers and scientists.

About the Environment Effects Statement package

We’re working toward finalising and submitting the Environment Effects Statement (EES) to the Department of Transport and Planning who will determine whether the EES addresses the matters in the scoping requirements. If it does, we will seek authorisation from the Minister for Planning to release the EES to the public for viewing and comment. We expect the public exhibition and public Inquiry and Advisory Committee process, which includes a public hearing, will take place during 2025.

The EES package will include technical information about the significance of potential impacts of the project, and a variety of attachments, including the draft planning scheme amendment, a map book, and additional reports, such as the Community and Stakeholder Engagement Report. There will also be an EES summary brochure that will briefly explain the project, how to examine the EES and the process for making a submission.

More information about the EES process is available on Planning Victoria's environmental assessments webpage.

A Planning Scheme Amendment under the Planning and Environment Act 1987 is proposed as the primary planning approval for the project. A Draft Planning Scheme Amendment will be displayed with the EES for public comment.

More information is available in the Draft planning scheme amendment fact sheet.

Have your say

Ongoing engagement with communities and landholders is an important part of the Western Renewables Link project. We value the feedback and local knowledge shared with the project to date. Community input is critical to ensure that all potential impacts and opportunities are considered in the planning, approvals, and design phases.

You can provide feedback or get in touch about an enquiry via our Contact Us page. Information about upcoming community events is available on the News and Events page.