MEMBERS of the public are invited to have their say on VHM’s Goschen Rare Earth and Mineral Sand Project.
The flagship project’s Environmental Effects Statement, which sets out the details and impacts of the proposed mining development southwest of Swan Hill, will be placed on public exhibition for a period of six weeks, from November 20.
During this period, people can make submissions to Planning Portal Victoria about the EES.
The public exhibition of the EES marks a significant milestone in the Goschen approvals process and an achievement for all involved in the project to date.
“VHM has engaged openly with regulators throughout the approvals process and the assistance of Environmental Approvals consultant AECOM has been integral to reaching this milestone,” VHM Limited CEO Ron Douglas said.
“This is a culmination of five years of work to assess and mitigate the environmental aspects of the project. We look forward to continued engagement with, and contribution to the community as we deliver the Goschen Project.”
The conclusion of the public exhibition period will allow the Goschen Project to move to the next stage – a public hearing on the EES that is held by an independent Inquiry and Advisory Committee appointed by the Minister for Planning. The IAC will then advise the minister on the environmental effects of the project, then the minister will make an assessment of the project’s environmental effects.
Should the project receive a positive ministerial assessment, VHM will apply for the various regulatory licences and permits required. This will inform the VHM Board for the determination of the final investment decision for the Goschen Project.
All EES related documentation, including the draft Planning Scheme Amendment and Environment Protection Authority Victoria development licence, will be available from November 20 at www.vhmlimited.com.au/ees.
Physical copies of the full EES documentation are available for viewing from the libraries on Swan Hill, Kerang and the State Library Victoria, as well as at the council offices in Kerang and Swan Hill.
Online public submissions on the EES can be lodged via the Victorian Government’s Engage Victoria website at https://engage.vic.gov.au/Goschen-IAC.
