Our project team value the importance of engaging with the local community.
Our team values the importance of engaging with the local community, business, and other stakeholders to gather valuable feedback to inform our project, as well as to raise awareness for the project.
Since 2023, we have been holding a range of public consultation activities, to answer your questions, collect feedback and listen to project concerns or opportunities in advance of our EES submission.
There have been various opportunities for communities to provide formal feedback as part of the EES through our engagement channels and events.
Activities and feedback will be outlined in a dedicated Communication and Engagement Report and Attachment as part of the EES.
You can contact us regarding questions, to request a briefing, or to learn more about the project by clicking here.
To learn more about our past, current and upcoming events, visit our events page by clicking here.
Following lodgment of the EES referral, the project team have been raising awareness of the project and establishing relationships with local stakeholders.
This engagement has been informed by our Consultation Plan for the EES, which has been updated throughout the EES process.
To read our most recent Consultation plan, click here.
To learn more about lodging an EES referral, click here.
During this phase, the team raised awareness and captured feedback on the proposed project through engagement activities such as drop-in information sessions, distribution of project collateral via e-news, social media and stakeholder briefings.
The Port of Hastings Corporation also established a dedicated Community Reference Group (CRG) for the project.
During this phase, the Scoping Requirements for the project were also updated following two rounds of public comment periods (November to December 2024, and September 2025)
To access the Final Scoping Requirements, visit: planning.vic.gov.au/environmental-assessments/browse-projects/referrals/victorian-renewable-energy-terminal
The purpose of consultation during the preparation of the EES is to inform the community about project details and potential impacts.
Consultation with stakeholders including local community, interest groups and Traditional Owners is to seek feedback on the project.
To learn more about preparing an EES, click here.
Phase 4 engagement will commence with the public exhibition of the EES, which is expected to occur in 2027.
During the public exhibition of the EES, the community will have the opportunity to learn more about the project, including potential impacts and mitigation measures. Stakeholders can submit formal feedback as part of the EES exhibition.
To learn more about public review of an EES, click here.
The Minister will appoint an independent Inquiry and Advisory Committee to consider submissions made as part of the EES public exhibition period.
Stakeholders who have made a submission as part of the EES exhibition will have the opportunity to be heard at the Inquiry Hearing.
The Victorian Minister for Planning’s Assessment will be made publicly available.
The project team will continue to engage with the community and project stakeholders on the outcomes of the assessment and approvals process.
To learn more about the Minister’s Assessment of the EES, click here.
Subject to the necessary approvals, further engagement will continue through the construction and operation of the Victorian Renewable Energy Terminal.
