What is an Environmental Audit Overlay?

An Environmental Audit Overlay (EAO) is included in the draft planning scheme amendment. It applies to properties within the precinct that have been nominated as having a high potential for contamination.

The EAO requires the affected property to undergo an further assessment before any work can commence for any ‘sensitive uses’, such as housing, a primary school, playground, kindergarten, or early childhood centre.

The VPA has written to all affected landowners requesting that they undertake a Preliminary Risk Screen Assessment (PRSA) to determine whether an environmental audit is required on their property. PRSAs are underway on several affected properties, and the outcome of these assessments may inform refinements to the ultimate extent of the EAO within the precinct.

More information on the use of the Environmental Audit Overlay (EAO) can be found at environment.vic.gov.au/sustainability/victoria-unearthed/about-the-data/environmental-audit-overlay

The PSP also identifies several properties with a medium potential for contamination. These properties will also need to prepare further assessments and meet any conditions specified in further assessments before any work for sensitive uses can begin.