The draft Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Plan is now out for public consultation. It outlines various measures and commitments for dealing with the impacts on biodiversity values in the areas designated for development. It incorporates a conservation framework aimed at managing impacts on Matters of National Environmental Significance (MNES) by avoiding, minimizing, mitigating, and offsetting them. Implementation documents, such as the draft Biodiversity Conservation Strategy and Funding Program, are to provide support to this plan.
In essence it is the City of Greater Geelong presenting to the Federal Government how they intend dealing with both the real and potential biodiversity loss, particularly of listed species, in the Northern and Western Growth areas.
Public exhibition of the draft will run from 9am Wednesday 26 July 2023 until 5pm Monday 25 September 2023.
There were two online workshops planned for the public however the first has been cancelled:
- Tuesday 15 August 2023, 10am – 12pm (General public)
- Thursday 17 August 2023, 6pm – 8pm (General public)
It is hoped there will be a second daytime General Public session organised.
There are also face-to-face drop-in sessions at the Wurriki Nyal Civic Precinct, 137-149 Mercer Street, Geelong. Registrations are not required for drop-in sessions.
- Tuesday 5 September, 10am – 12pm
- Wednesday 6 September, 5pm – 7pm
Feedback can be given by completing the online submission form at https://yoursay.geelongaustralia.com.au/GGASA or by emailing GeelongGrowthAreas@geelongcity.vic.gov.au.
Alternately submissions can be sent via post to:
Coordinator Strategic Planning
City of Greater Geelong
Wadawurrung Country
P.O. Box 104
Geelong VIC 3220
The relevant documentation can be downloaded at these links: