Environment

The potential environmental effects of the Victoria Energy Terminal are being assessed by the Commonwealth and Victorian Governments through an Environment Effects Statement (EES) process.

From late 2024 through to early 2026, the project is undertaking environmental impact assessments and preparing an EES.

The EES is expected to be publicly exhibited in 2026. It will outline the existing environmental conditions of the project study area, the potential impacts of the project, and proposed methods to avoid or mitigate these impacts.

Information related to the EES for Victorian Energy Terminal is available at the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) website here: https://www.planning.vic.gov.au/environmental-assessments/browse-projects/referrals/Vopak-Victoria-Energy-Terminal

The public will be given opportunity to provide feedback on the environmental effects of the Victorian Energy Terminal project via the Engage Victoria website during the exhibition of the draft Scoping Requirements for the EES, and the exhibition of the EES.

Environment Effects Statement (EES) process

Proposed projects in Victoria with potentially significant effects to the environment require assessment under the Environment Effects Act 1978.

An environment effects statement (EES) usually has:

• a description of the proposed development, including location, technology and design of project components

• site characteristics and surrounding area

• an outline of public and stakeholder consultation undertaken during investigations and the issues raised

• a description of the existing environment that may be affected

• predictions of significant environmental effects of the proposal and relevant alternatives

• proposed measures to avoid, minimise or manage adverse environmental effects

• a proposed program for monitoring and managing environmental effects during project implementation.

More information on the EES process is available at the Department of Transport and Planning website.

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.

The EES is being undertaken as an accredited process set out in the bilateral agreement under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). It will have to assess the relevant matters of national environmental significance identified in the Commonwealth decision that the project is a 'controlled action' requesting approval under the EPBC Act.

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 will be released for public comment for 15 business days before the final scoping requirements are issued by the Minister for Planning.

The scoping requirements are now open for public comment. To review the scoping requirements and provide input, please visit: https://engage.vic.gov.au/vopak-vet-ees-draft-scoping-requirements

EES Consultation Plan

Community engagement is an integral part of the EES process and is guided by an EES Consultation Plan that has been approved by the Victorian Government Department of Transport and Planning.

For more information about how we will engage, read the EES Consultation Plan.