Planning

VMFRP partners, specialist engineers and scientists have been working together to plan and assess the proposed floodplain restoration works since 2012. This planning has included detailed technical studies, project design, community consultation, and state and Australian Government environmental assessment processes.

Environmental assessment documents and supporting material for each project are available on the VMFRP Engagement Portal

Before any environmental work can proceed, VMFRP sites must complete a rigorous environmental planning and assessment process. This includes technical assessments of matters such as terrestrial and aquatic biodiversity, surface and groundwater, cultural heritage, geology, land use, community and business.

The assessment process identifies potential impacts and sets out how they will be avoided, minimised or managed, while considering the long-term environmental and community benefits of healthier floodplains.

Technical assessments are completed by technical specialists in each field, with many studies undergoing peer review.

What is an EES/ER?

An Environment Effects Statement (EES) is the most detailed environmental assessment in Victoria. It describes the existing environment, identifies the potential positive and negative effects during construction and operation and proposes ways to avoid, minimise or manage any significant effects. An Environment Report (ER) is a targeted assessment process used for projects where the potential effects can be assessed through a more focused report.

The EES/ER includes specialist assessments, project descriptions and maps, and outlines how the community and stakeholders have been consulted and their feedback considered. The EES/ER is subject to a public exhibition during which the public can make a submission. The EES/ER is then assessed by the Minister for Planning through the Environment Effects Act 1978. 

The VMFRP environmental assessments are packaged into project areas, also known as the West, East and Central sites:

• ER East: Gunbower National Park Guttrum and Benwell Forests floodplain restoration projects
• EES West: Lindsay Island and Wallpolla Island floodplain restoration projects
• ER Central: Vinifera, Nyah and Burra Creek floodplain restoration projects*
• EES Central: Hattah Lakes North and Belsar-Yungera floodplain restoration projects

When the Minister is satisfied that the EES or ER is suitable, it is released for public comment for either 20 or 30 business days. During this time, members of the public can read the EES/ER documents and draft Planning Scheme Amendment and make written submissions.

The submission process is independently managed by Planning Panels Victoria. Submissions must be made using the Engage Victoria submissions page which is advertised when exhibitions are open.

A Standing Inquiry and Advisory Committee (SIAC) specifically for the VMFRP has been appointed to evaluate the effects of the projects, based on the EES/ER, the draft Planning Scheme Amendments and public submissions. SIAC provides a report to the Victorian Minister for Planning, who then makes a final determination on the projects.

More information about the projects, their status, and their assessments can be found on the Department of Transport and Planning website.

*Following the Victorian Minister for Planning’s assessment of the Environment Report for the Burra Creek site, the restoration of this site will not proceed. Read the Minister’s assessment for Burra Creek.

Commonwealth environmental approval

VMFRP projects require approval under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) because they may significantly affect matters of national environmental significance (MNES). MNES can include threatened species, ecological communities, wetlands and other nationally protected environmental values.

Separate referrals were submitted for each project site. The Minister for the Environment determined that each site is a ‘controlled action’, meaning that Commonwealth approval is required before works can proceed.

The Victorian Environment Effects Statement process is accredited under a bilateral agreement to assess Commonwealth environmental matters, helping reduce duplication between state and Commonwealth approval processes.

View the EPBC referrals and find out more about the EPBC process on the EPBC Act Public Portal. Lower Murray Water is listed as the project proponent.

Planning Scheme Amendment approval

Planning schemes set out how land can be used, developed and protected in each municipality. If a project needs changes to a planning scheme, this must happen through a formal Planning Scheme Amendment process – usually a public exhibition of the draft amendment, followed by a panel review and submission to the Minister for Planning for a decision.

VMFRP works trigger planning approval requirements across several municipalities. Draft Planning Scheme Amendments have been prepared for the Campaspe, Gannawarra, Swan Hill and Mildura planning schemes. These amendments are exhibited alongside the EES and ER documents, so the community can review the proposed planning changes and make a submission.

Planning Scheme Amendments have been approved for the Belsar-Yungera, Hattah Lakes North and Nyah-Vinifera project sites.

For more information on the planning process in Victoria, visit the Department of Transport and Planning website.

Cultural Heritage Management Plans

Traditional Owners have cared for and sustainably managed the cultural landscapes of the Murray River and its floodplains for thousands of years. The VMFRP projects are located on land that that holds significant Aboriginal cultural value and includes places of registered cultural heritage significance. A Cultural Heritage Management Plan has been prepared for each site in consultation with Traditional Owners and specialist consultants. The plans assess the potential impact on Aboriginal cultural heritage and outlines protections before, during and after construction. These plans are required under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 (Vic.)

Other approvals

If the Minister for Planning approves the project, further approvals and permits are required before construction work can begin.

Projects need several secondary consents/approvals including approval from Parks Victoria and the Minister for Environment under s27 of the National Parks Act 1975 for the project to undertake works in parks.