Presented by Robert Clark MP		www.robertclark.net

Basslink EES details announced

The Planning Minister, Mr John Thwaites, has announced details of the Environment Effects Statement (EES) process for the Basslink project.

The Basslink project involves the construction of a high voltage electricity linkage across Bass Strait between Tasmania and Victoria.

The establishment of the EES process is in line with arrangements reached by the previous Minister, Mr Maclellan.

A Community Consultative Committee has been established to provide advice on the EES process for the proposed electricity link between Victoria and Tasmania.

The Committee will be chaired by the Department of Infrastructure and provide a forum for community representatives to identify and review issues requiring further investigation.

Mr Thwaites said the potential visual impact from overhead electricity towers has been identified as a key issue of concern in a number of local public meetings.

“A thorough examination of the potential environmental impact of the Basslink project would address the concern of overhead electricity towers as well as other significant issues,” he said.

After the Consultative Committee has completed its assessment, the EES will be exhibited for public comment. An independent panel will then review submissions, issue a draft response, hold public hearings and then present a report to the Victorian, Tasmanian and Commonwealth governments.

Environment assessment for the project will be required under the environmental assessment legislation of both Victoria and Tasmania as well as the Commonwealth’s Environment Protection (Impact of Proposals) Act 1974.

The combined assessment process for Basslink, including the Victorian EES is not expected to be completed until the end of next year.

The State Opposition has supported undergrounding of the Basslink power lines, and will argue the case for undergrounding during the EES process.

See News Release, Minister for Planning, 10 November 1999; Basslink website, including Environmental Assessment pages