An independent report summarising the outcomes of a community conference held by Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) on Iluka Resources’ works approval application to continue the disposal of waste by-products at its Douglas Mine site has been released.
Following the review of public submissions, EPA held a community conference under Section 20B of the Environment Protection Act 1970 on 25 August.
The conference, chaired by an independent facilitator, aimed to increase residents’ understanding of Iluka’s proposal, gain a greater understanding of any community concerns and identify potential options and solutions.
The independent facilitator’s report details the concerns, key issues and possible options and solutions raised in written submissions and at the conference by the community. The report includes the independent facilitator’s reflections and recommendations that represent an impartial, non-expert view, based on comments made at the public meeting.
The independent report is now available on EPA’s website.
EPA and Horsham Rural City Council (HRCC), which has received a planning permit application from Iluka, will consider the report as part of assessments of the applications.
HRCC is responsible for the planning permit application. Iluka Resources has an existing radiation management licence from Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) that covers the disposal of naturally occurring radioactive material.
The Environment Protection Act requires EPA to make a decision on works approval applications within four months of receiving a complete application. EPA may request further information from the applicant during the process or require an extension of time to complete the assessment.
EPA received the Iluka Resources works approval application on 23 June 2015. For further information on the timeline of the Iluka Resources works approval application, and when a final decision could be made, see here.