Environment Effects Statement and approvals
Vopak has prepared an Environment Effects Statement (EES). It assesses a project’s environmental impacts and is Victoria’s most comprehensive assessment process.
Structure
To understand the potential impacts of the Victoria Energy Terminal, 22 impact assessments (or technical reports) were prepared in accordance with the EES assessment framework and the project’s Scoping Requirements.
The EES assesses potential impacts from the construction, operation and decommissioning of the project. Each technical report identifies the existing conditions and values within the study area.
Marine environment, terrestrial biodiversity and Aboriginal cultural heritage were identified as high priority studies by the project’s Scoping Requirements. . These impact assessments and stakeholder engagement have collectively informed the project’s planning and design to minimise impacts as far as practicable, acknowledging technical, environmental, social and economic requirements.
Based on the design and construction methods, where assessments identified a need to reduce impacts, management measures were recommended and have informed the development of a proposed Environmental Management Framework (EMF).
Print copies and alternative formats: You may request print copies of the EES and approvals documents or digital versions on a USB by contacting us.
Principal approvals
Vopak Victoria Energy Terminal requires a number of primary approvals under Victorian and Commonwealth legislation.
Minister’s Assessment under the Environment Effects Act 1978
Commonwealth decision, Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act 1999
Pipeline Licence, Pipelines Act 2005
Development Licence, Environment Protection Act 2017
Planning Scheme Amendment, to the Greater Geelong Planning Scheme under the Planning and Environment Act 1987
Cultural Heritage Management Plans, Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2006
Marine and Coastal Act 2018 Consent
The Draft Planning Scheme Amendment, Pipeline Licence Application and Development Licence Application are being exhibited with the EES.
Read the EES and approvals documents
The EES and approvals documents are available on our website.
Approvals milestones
Minister’s decision on referral
On 1 August 2023, the Minister for Planning required Vopak to prepare an EES under the Environment Effects Act 1978 to assess the potential environmental effects of the project.
From November 2023, Vopak put the project on hold to consider the Minister’s decision on the referral and plan for the EES process. From late 2024, Vopak resumed the EES process.
Scoping requirements
The matters to be investigated and documented in an EES are set out in scoping requirements issued by the Victorian Minister for Planning. The draft scoping requirements were released for public comment for 15 business days between 29 May and 23 June 2025 before the final scoping requirements were issued by the Minister for Planning.
Review the final scoping requirements on the Planning Victoria website.
Public exhibition
EES was exhibited for a period of 30 business days for public comment. During this time, members of the public could make a written submission. There were opportunities to meet the project team and ask questions about the project.
The EES public exhibition period closed at 11:59PM on Friday 26 June 2026.
Public inquiry
The Minister for Planning appointed a joint Inquiry and Advisory Committee (IAC) under the Environment Effects Act 1978 to provide a report with independent advice and recommendations to the Minister about the environmental effects of the proposal.
The IAC held a public Hearing to hear from submitters and expert witnesses, which will inform their recommendations to the Minister.
The Hearing commenced on Monday 10 August and concluded Monday 31 August 2026. For further information on the hearing, including tabled documents and audio recordings, please visit Engage Victoria.
Thank you to everyone who made a submission to the Environment Effects Statement (EES) and to those who participated in the hearing, both in person and online. We appreciate the time, effort and thoughtful contributions provided throughout the process.
Minister’s assessment
The Minister will prepare an assessment considering all relevant information including the EES documents, principal approvals, public submissions, the proponent’s response and the inquiry report. The Minister’s assessment is normally provided to decision makers and the proponent within 30 business days of receiving the report of an inquiry. The assessment will advise if the likely environmental effects of the project demonstrated in the EES are acceptable or if further investigations are required.
More information on the assessment process can be found here.