To comment on the updated Terms of Reference (Scoping Requirements) for the EES environmental assessment of the proposed Renewable Energy Terminal in Westernport, (for Victoria’s Offshore Windfarms in Bass Strait), please fill in the survey or upload your submission HERE before midnight, Sept 24
Read Save Westernport’s new submission on the Updated EES Scoping Requirements HERE
For more information please read Save Westernport’s latest Newsletter
Your comments could include the following:
- The original proposal was rejected in 2024 due to environmental concerns.
- The revised proposal is only slightly changed. It still involves large-scale reclamation and dredging in Westernport- the most since it was named a Ramsar wetland, a Matter of National Environmental Significance (MNES) under the Commonwealth EPBC (Environmental Protection) Act.
- The enormous increase in shipping would impact Westernport’s local communities, marine life and ecosystems
- Projects within a Ramsar wetland MUST NOT result in Biodiversity loss.
- Environmental assessment should consider cumulative impacts and a whole-of-Ecosystem approach
- The Victorian government must invite its own advisers to scrutinise claims made in the proponent’s EES reports, and not leave it to community groups to pay for independent experts, as we saw during the EES for AGL.
- Existing alternative sites need further consideration to minimise or avoid degrading WP Bay
- Westernport urgently needs a Strategic Management Framework
The WP Biosphere has also shared their submission, and they’re happy for us to use it when commenting on the project.
More from the Biosphere HERE https://www.biosphere.org.au/latest-news/victorian-renewable-energy-terminal-vret-community-submissions-closing-soon/
Decision-makers are taking note of how many people respond to this proposal. The best way to let them know we’re watching is to upload your comments before midnight Weds Sept 24
Every submission counts!
Thankyou
from the Save Westernport Steering Committee
