Basslink - Assessment process

 

Contents

Combined assessment/approvals process
Legislative basis for assessment

Combined assessment/approvals process

The Basslink project would require planning, environmental and other approvals from the Tasmanian, Victorian and Commonwealth governments. The three governments have agreed to a combined assessment/approvals process that will result in an integrated assessment report to meet the requirements of each jurisdiction.

STAGE 1 - to February 2000

STAGE 2 - 2 February 2000 to October 2000

STAGE 3 - July 2001 - May 2002

STAGE 4 - June 2002

Legislative basis for assessment

Under the Environment Protection (Impact of Proposals) Act 1974 (Cwlth) and the Administrative Procedures approved under that Act BPL is required to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement. The Victorian Minister for Planning has determined that the Basslink proposal will require an Environment Effects Statement and an inquiry pursuant to Section 9 of the Environment Effects Act 1978 (Vic) (Victorian Terms of Reference).

The Tasmanian Premier has directed (Tasmanian Ministerial Direction) the Tasmanian Resource Planning and Development Commission to undertake an integrated assessment of the Basslink proposal as required under the State Policies and Projects Act 1993 (Tas). BPL will prepare an Integrated Impact Assessment Statement (IIAS), which will incorporate all elements of an Environmental Impact Statement, Environment Effects Statement and a Social, Economic and Community Impact Statement.