The Standing Inquiry and Advisory Committee (SIAC) held a Direction Hearings by Zoom video conference on 28 November 2022 to prepare for the Hearing for the Environment Effects Statement: Hattah Lakes North and Belsar-Yungera.
Join the VMFRP project team for an online information session on the Environment Effects Statement for the Belsar-Yungera and Hattah Lakes North Floodplain Restoration Projects.
Public comment is now invited on the Environment Effects Statement (EES): Belsar-Yungera and Hattah Lakes North Floodplain Restoration Projects.
The latest edition of the Floodplain Babbler is now online. Named after the noisy and gregarious Babbler bird, this quarterly newsletter will keep you updated on our planned work to restore nine much-loved Murray River floodplains.
Our floodplain heroes series features local people doing amazing work to restore floodplain spaces along the Murray River. Meet John Toll, a fourth-generation farmer bringing biodiversity back to a Gunbower farm by planting native trees and vegetation and creating a fully functional wetland.
The Victorian Minister for Planning has determined that a single Environment Effects Statement (EES) is required for the Belsar-Yungera and Hattah Lakes North Floodplain Restoration Projects under the Environment Effects Act 1978 (Victoria). The EES describes the potential effects of the projects on the environment and identifies how the projects would avoid, minimise and manage those potential impacts.
The Belsar-Yungera and Hattah Lakes North Floodplain Restoration Projects are part of the Victorian Murray Floodplain Restoration Project and make up the EES Central assessment package.
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This EES is expected to be placed on public display along with the proposed Planning Scheme Amendment (draft PSA) for 30 business days commencing in September/October 2022.
During this time, members of the public will be able to read the EES documents and draft PSA and make written submissions. More information on how to make a submission will be available once the exhibition period commences.
The submission process is independently managed by Planning Panels Victoria. Submissions must be made using the Engage Victoria submissions page that will be advertised when exhibition is open.
The Minister for Planning will appoint a Standing Inquiry and Advisory Committee (SIAC) specifically for the Victorian Murray Floodplain Restoration Projects, which will evaluate the effects of the Belsar-Yungera and Hattah Lakes North projects, having regard to the EES, the draft PSA and public submissions. The SIAC is expected to conduct formal public hearings at which Lower Murray Water and people who have made submissions and want to be heard can make presentations. More information on the public hearings will be advertised when available.
The EES and draft PSA documents will be available on the project website www.vmfrp.com.au and, subject to Covid-19 safety measures, will also be available to review in hard copy at selected locations. Viewing locations will be advertised when exhibition is open.
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EES Information Pack
You can request a free EES information pack which includes:
To request an information pack, email the Proponent on info@vmfrp.vic.gov.au or call 1800 808 830.
In dry periods, Tangled Lignum may appear lifeless, but like a floodplain feature special of ‘Return of the lignum dead’, it springs back to life after flooding from high river flows, providing homes and food for a diverse range of plants and animals found nowhere else.
Listen to VMFRP General Manager Jane Ryan talk projects with GMW on their Talking Water podcast.
The fifth edition of the Floodplain Babbler is now online. Stay up to date with our project news!
Meet Shannon O’Brien, as he shares his love of Gunbower Forest, kayaking and bringing more people on board to protect our floodplains.
Chris Tzaros@Birds Bush and Beyond