Planning and Approval
Long before the first sod was turned to start construction of the Sugarloaf Pipeline and its associated pump stations, structural-steel tanks, power substation and various other fittings, the Alliance needed to navigate the planning and approvals process.
Any proposed development such as the Sugarloaf Pipeline must be measured against its potential environmental impact. Both the Victorian and Commonwealth Governments needed to be satisfied that building the Sugarloaf Pipeline would not have detrimental environmental effects. Getting approval was an intricate process, requiring extensive consultation with potentially affected landowners, Commonwealth, state and local government agencies, as well as conducting dozens of investigations and studies to determine the best possible route for the Sugarloaf Pipeline.
August 2008 - State Planning approval obtained
The Victorian Planning Minister endorsed the preferred corridor for the Sugarloaf Pipeline on 6 August 2008.
The Minister's approval was subject to a number of conditions aimed at ensuring the project's environmental effects are minimised and was made under the Planning and Environment Act (1987).
See the Sugarloaf Interconnector Pipeline page on the Department of Planning and Community Development website for details about:
- the decision
- the approved corridor plans
- the Advisory Committee report the Minister used to inform his decision
September 2008 - Commonwealth Government approves the project
The Federal Minister for the Environment, Heritage and the Arts has approved construction of the Sugarloaf Pipeline Project.
See the details on the referral to the Commonwealth Government at the Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts.
The planning and appproval process
During the planning stage a Project Impact Assessment was conducted, with stakeholder and community input managed by an Advisory Committee.
The process is outlined below.
December 2007 - Environmental review process determined
Following a submission from Melbourne Water to the Victorian Government, Planning Minister Justin Madden announced that an Environmental Effects Statement would not be required for the Sugarloaf Pipeline Project. This decision was made in accordance with relevant Ministerial guidelines and was consistent with decisions regarding other similar Victorian pipeline projects.
The reasons for the Minister's decision (PDF, 25kb) can be viewed here.
February 2008 - Project Impact Assessment report
A Project Impact Assessment Report was prepared in early 2008 providing an integrated assessment of the potential impacts of the Sugarloaf Pipeline Project. These included environmental, social, cultural and economic impacts.
The Project Impact Assessment was the result of over 35 000 hours of detailed environmental and technical investigations and design work by more than 140 specialist staff from the Alliance team. It contained 18 specialist reports, as well as a study and report on the environmental implications of transferring water savings from the Goulburn River.
The report built on studies and information that supported the Environmental Effects Statement Referral, which was presented in November 2007. It recommended ways to avoid, minimise, mitigate, manage and monitor potential impacts.
View the Project Impact Assessment Report online or order a CD or print copy by calling 1800 453 753.
February-March 2008 - Public comment on the Project Impact Assessment
The Project Impact Assessment was made available for public comment from 19 February to 18 March 2008. A summary of responses is available in the Refinement Report listed below.
February 2008 - The Commonwealth Government accredits the assessment process
The Commonwealth Government accredited the Victorian Government process and Advisory Committee to assess the relevant impacts of the pipeline project under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. The Advisory Committee's report was delivered to the Commonwealth Environment Minister to assist him in making his determination.
See the details on the referral to the Commonwealth Government at the Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts.
February 2008 - Advisory Committee appointed
The Minister for Planning appointed an expert Advisory Committee to review the PIA, any submissions received and other relevant information.
See details about members of the Advisory Committee (PDF, 162kb).
See the Advisory Committee Terms of Reference (PDF, 263kb).
March 2008 - Refinement report informs the Advisory Committee of latest information
The Advisory Committee asked the Project Alliance to provide a 'Refinement Report' to address some of the issues raised in submissions during the Project Impact Assessment public comment period. This report gave more up to date details and information, gained between the time the Project Impact Assessment was submitted and the public hearings.
View the Refinement Report (PDF, 351kb).
April 2008 - Advisory Committee conducts public hearings for Project Impact Assessment submissions
The Advisory Committee conducted public hearings between 2 and 17 April 2008 to allow stakeholders to clarify their submissions and enable dialogue and closer examination of particular matters.
See the Project Impact Assessment submissions presented at the hearings by the Sugarloaf Project Alliance.
You will need Adobe Acrobat to access the above PDF documents. 
