The Minister for Planning has advised that he has amended the Bass Coast Planning Scheme to include the Victorian Desalination Incorporated Document. This document establishes the Minister for Planning as the Responsible Authority for any planning decisions associated with the Victorian Desalination Project.
The letter, dated 11 June 2009, was received by Bass Coast Shire Council exactly two years after the initial announcement that a desalination plant would be built outside of Wonthaggi.
Council’s Chief Executive Officer, Allan Bawden, said news was not unexpected.
“We knew it was likely that there would be a Ministerial amendment and that the Minister, rather than Council, would be the responsible authority for this project,” said Mr Bawden. “This is not surprising, given that this is the largest infrastructure project in Victoria’s history.”
The Minister’s letter advised that he has prepared, approved and adopted the C107 Amendment and that the Amendment will come into affect when notice of its approval is published in the Victoria Government Gazette.
“This amendment will speed up the planning approvals for the desalination plant,” explained Hannah Duncan-Jones, Council’s Planning and Environment Director.
“It means that document becomes the tool that is used for decision making about the desalination project. The land identified can be used and developed without having to obtain planning permits or otherwise comply with the planning scheme."
“We will need to see the full details of the incorporated document to be able to assess whether all the requirements from the Environment Effects Statement (EES) are addressed or potentially will be addressed."
“However the Minister has advised that the incorporated document does contain the requirement for an underground power supply from Cranbourne to the plant.”
Ms Duncan-Jones said that Council had asked to be involved or consulted on the preparation of the Victorian Desalination Incorporated Document.
“It is disappointing that we did not have any involvement,” Ms Duncan-Jones said. “We encourage the Minister to put together a consultation and communication plan to ensure that the affected councils, responsible agencies and the community are fully briefed on the content of the incorporated document and the subsequent plans that support the document.”
“As the Minister is now the responsible authority for the project, Bass Coast Shire Council will not have any role in monitoring or ensuring that the project meets any planning requirements."
"We believe it is imperative that the Minister provides appropriate resourcing locally to undertake this enforcement role,” said Ms Duncan-Jones.
The C107 Amendment will clear the way for work to begin on any part of the desalination project.