The Final EES Scoping Requirements have been published for the proposed Victorian Renewable Energy Terminal (VRET) in the Port of Hastings in Westernport Bay.

The Scoping Requirements set out the matters to be investigated and documented in the EES Environmental assessment (Environment Effects Statement), which kicks off in mid 2026.
The Final Scoping Requirements have been updated following two rounds of public comment (November – December 2024 & September 2025).
The Final EES Scoping Requirements can be accessed here.

or at: https://www.planning.vic.gov.au/environmental-assessments/browse-projects/referrals/victorian-renewable-energy-terminal

 

Read Save Westernport’s comments on the draft Scoping Requirements in our submission here  or in this article on our website https://savewesternport.org/news/joint-letter-of-concerns-to-victorias-planning-minister/

The EES will be our first opportunity to properly scrutinise the project’s numerous environmental impacts, particularly from proposed dredging to build the terminal. In 2024, concerns about these extensive impacts led fmr Environment Minister Tania Plibersek to reject the Port of Hastings corporation’s initial application outright, due to “unacceptable effects on the Western Port Ramsar wetlands” of global significance to migratory birds, protected wildlife and marine ecosystems, all Matters of National Environmental Significance (MNES) under Commonwealth Environmental Protection Conservation Biodiversity (EPBC) laws. Read the Minister’s Statement of Reasons for her decision in 2024.

The Port of Hastings Corporation is the project’s proponent on behalf of the Victorian government. More information is available on their website. See ‘Environmental Assessment’ here https://renewableenergyterminal.com.au/

More here https://portofhastings.cmail19.com/t/y-e-qktjdll-dulkjjyhlt-g/

Sign up on here on Save Westernport’s website  to receive our regular Newsletter updates about the proposed VRET and its environmental assessment in 2026. https://savewesternport.org/get-our-newsletter/

You can support our voluntary work by becoming a Member of Save Westernport, by renewing your annual membership.

Or by making a donation to Save Westernport.

 

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