27/05/2024
Project Status Updates
Update on the Wonthaggi North East Environmental Audit Overlay – 27 May 2024
The Victorian Planning Authority (VPA) is very aware of the high level of understandable concern in the Wonthaggi community over the impact of the application of the Environmental Audit Overlay (EAO) and potential presence of contamination on properties.
To address this, we are working with Bass Coast Shire Council on a daily basis with the support of our Minister, the Department of Transport and Planning and the EPA.
The VPA has now received the advice it sought from the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) whether based on the evidence provided, the overlay could be reduced or removed.
The EPA has determined that any change to the application of the EAO to affected properties could only occur once further investigation using a Preliminary Risk Screen Assessment (PRSA) conducted by an EPA appointed environmental auditor is concluded.
To speed the gathering of this critical information, Council and the VPA have agreed to co-fund a PRSA being led by the Bass Coast Shire Council. The VPA has taken this step as part of our continued support for addressing the concerns of the Wonthaggi community as quickly possible.
The focus for the VPA is to continue to assist Bass Coast Shire Council to address the concerns of the Wonthaggi community by working with the EPA and the Department of Transport and Planning to identify potential solutions to this issue and to give impacted landowners greater certainty as quickly as possible.