Environment Effects Statement (EES)
Star of the South’s Environment Effects Statement (EES) is now available for public review and comment.
Overview
The EES provides an assessment of works in Victoria for the Star of the South’s underground transmission cables. These works are located in Victorian waters and on land between Reeves Beach and Giffard.
A draft Planning Scheme Amendment (PSA) – C129well – has also been prepared which outlines proposed changes to the Wellington Planning Scheme to accommodate the proposed underground cables. This draft is available for review and comment with the EES.
Key details:
- Victorian Government process
- Applies to works in Victoria only (see diagram below)
- Results in Minister’s assessment of environmental effects under the Environment Effects Act.
For the assessment of the offshore wind farm and to make a submission on Commonwealth matters see the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).
EES Documents
Summary Report
The summary report provides an overview of works in Victoria and information in the EES. We recommend starting here.
Information Chapters
These chapters present information about the works in Victoria, the legislative and assessment framework, and consultation undertaken.
- Table of contents – PDF, Word
- Glossary and abbreviations – PDF, Word
- References – PDF, Word
- Introduction – PDF, Word
- Project rationale – PDF, Word
- Victorian works project development – PDF, Word
- Victorian works project description – PDF, Word
- Victorian legislative framework – PDF, Word
- Assessment framework – PDF, Word
- Community engagement – PDF, Word
- Victorian Environmental Management Framework – PDF, Word
- EES summary and conclusions – PDF, Word
Technical Chapters
These chapters present a summary of the assessment outcomes from relevant technical reports.
- Onshore ecology – PDF, Word
- Groundwater – PDF, Word
- Surface water – PDF, Word
- Soil and waste – PDF, Word
- Agriculture and forestry – PDF, Word
- Onshore Aboriginal cultural heritage – PDF, Word
- Historical heritage – PDF, Word
- Electromagnetic field exposure – PDF, Word
- Onshore noise and vibration – PDF, Word
- Traffic and transport – PDF, Word
- Air quality – PDF, Word
- Submerged Aboriginal cultural heritage – PDF, Word
- Social – PDF, Word
- Business and tourism – PDF, Word
- Land use and planning – PDF, Word
- Victorian marine environment – PDF, Word
- Victorian marine protected areas – PDF, Word
Draft Planning Scheme Amendment
The PSA sets out proposed planning controls that will apply to works onshore.
- Draft planning scheme amendment – PDF
Attachments and Appendices
These documents provide additional information relating to the EES.
Technical Reports
Each technical report assesses the entire project and is prepared by independent specialists. These reports detail the study methodology, existing conditions, impact assessment findings and proposed mitigation measures.
Making a submission
Anyone can make a submission on the EES and draft PSA.
Online submissions are preferred and can be lodged via the Engage Victoria website.
The Victorian submission process is managed by Planning Panels Victoria. Any enquiries regarding the management of submissions and the Victorian Inquiry process should be directed to Planning Panels Victoria at 136 186 (select option 6) or [email protected]
Information on the Inquiry process is available on the Engage Victoria website.
EES Process
Proposed developments in Victoria are assessed under the Environment Effects Act (EE Act).
One way this assessment can be done is through an EES.
Visit the Department of Transport and Planning website for more detail about the EES process.
Key steps in the Star of the South EES process are:
We referred Star of the South under the EE Act in May 2020.
In May 2020, the Victorian Minister for Planning required Star of the South to prepare an EES to assess the potential environmental effects of works in Victoria.
Draft scoping requirements setting out the matters to be investigated and documented in the EES were prepared by government and released for public comment in July 2021. After considering submissions on the draft EES scoping requirements, the Minister approved final scoping requirements in 2021.
Environmental surveys, community and stakeholder consultation, and technical studies were completed and documented in the EES.
The EES is available for public review and submissions can be made until 11:59 pm on 29 June 2026.
The Minister will appoint an Inquiry to consider the EES covering the project’s works in Victoria. The Inquiry will conduct a submitter conference on the identified relevant key matters and will provide parties with the opportunity to provide it with further written material on the identified other matters, as outlined in its Terms of Reference from the Minister. The Inquiry will consider all EES submissions, the EES and draft PSA before providing advice to the Minister in accordance with its Terms of Reference.
Information on the Inquiry process is available on the Engage Victoria website.
After considering the EES, public submissions, and Inquiry advice, the Victorian Minister for Planning prepares an assessment, concluding if the project’s effects are or are not acceptable.
The Minister’s assessment is considered by decision makers responsible for Victorian approvals and consents, including
- Approval of the PSA under the Planning and Environment Act
- A marine and coastal consent under the Marine and Coastal Act
- An approved cultural heritage management plan under the Aboriginal Heritage Act.
Community resources
Installing cables underground
