THE Victorian Farmers Federation says farming communities are being prevented from participating in the process for assessing the environmental risk of mining and energy projects, “leading to bad outcomes for food production”.
VFF president Emma Germano said concerns raised by farmers impacted by the Goschen mineral sands and rare earths project near Swan Hill, about public exposure of its environmental effects statement occurring during the summer harvest, exposed flaws in the system.
“Ultimately, not allowing the community to fully participate in the scrutiny of projects leads to unforeseen and poorer outcomes,” Ms Germano said.
“Farmers feel they are being steamrolled in this process.
“It is important that the government takes a slow and precautionary approach to mining development to ensure food and fibre production is not jeopardised.”
Ms Germano wrote to Victoria’s Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny requesting an extension to the public exhibition of the EES for the project.
“Running public consultation in a farming district over the harvest season is tone-deaf and arrogant,” she said.
“The standard 30-day consultation periods that government use is a joke and the additional 10 days that was given in this instance is not meaningful in any way.”
Member for Mallee Anne Webster also wrote to Ms Kilkenny on December 19 requesting an extension.
A response, seen by The Guardian, was received late yesterday, one day after public submissions closed.
Department of Transport and Planning executive director of planning facilitation Dr Bruce Abernethy acknowledged the concerns about the timing of the public exhibition period for the EES.
“The Minister for Planning authorised the public exhibition of the project EES for 40 business days, until January 17, 2024,” Dr Abernethy said.
“The Minister for Planning extended the exhibition period from 30 to 40 business days on account of the timing of the exhibition throughout the Christmas period.
“The 40-business day exhibition period is consistent with the timeframes set out in the procedures and requirements for the EES.
“Members of the community can make an individual request for an extension at any time prior to submissions closing to the appointed inquiry and advisory committee.”
