Project approvals process
On Friday 4 July 2008, Origin's Board of Directors announced the investment decision to proceed to construction of the first 550 MW stage of the Mortlake Power Station. This follows the July 2006 assessment of the environmental effects released by Victoria's Minister for Planning Rob Hulls.
In his Assessment, the Minister concluded “I am satisfied that the Mortlake Power Station will make an important contribution to the Victorian Government’s objective of maintaining a secure, efficient and affordable supply of electricity while reducing the intensity of greenhouse gas emissions from the energy sector. The social and economic benefits of the project are therefore of State significance.”
The Minister’s Assessment is the culmination of the environmental assessment process that started on 11 January 2005, when Victoria’s (Acting) Minister for Planning, John Pandazopoulos determined that Origin’s proposal for the Mortlake Power Station was to be assessed under the Environment Effects Act 1978.
As part of this process, Origin prepared a comprehensive Environment Effects Statement (EES) that described the likely environmental effects of the proposed development. Preparation of the EES involved a comprehensive range of environmental, cultural heritage, social and economic studies.
The terms of reference for the EES was the Assessment Guidelines prepared by the Victorian Government. These guidelines were prepared by the Department of Planning and Community Development (formerly part of the Department of Sustainability and Environment) following a formal review process, which included consideration of all relevant feedback from the public.
The EES process was monitored by a Technical Reference Group comprising representatives of the relevant regulatory authorities.
The proposed project was referred to the Commonwealth in relation to the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act 1999 and on 4 March 2005 the Minister for Environment and Heritage determined that the project will not result in a controlled action under the EPBC Act.
Community Consultation
In parallel with the formal EES process, a community consultation program has been undertaken to inform the public and project stakeholders about the project, its progress and most importantly to seek community feedback.
Origin encourages public participation and comment at all times through the project’s development, construction and operation.