An independent report summarising the outcomes of a community conference held by Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) on Yarra Valley Stock Removers’ plans to establish a knackery in the area has been released.
Following the review of public submissions, EPA held a community conference under Section 20B of the Environment Protection Act 1970 on 3 September.
The conference, chaired by an independent facilitator, aimed to ensure EPA has a full understanding of the concerns of the local community regarding the proposal as well as to increase residents’ understanding of the proposal and assessment process.
The independent facilitator’s report details the concerns and key issues 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 public submissions and comments made at the public meeting.
The independent report is now available on EPA’s website.
EPA will consider the report as part of assessments of the application.
The Environment Protection Act 1970 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 Yarra Valley Stock Removers’ works approval application on 25 June 2015.