Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) has received about 150 public submissions regarding Montarosa Pty Ltd’s proposal to develop an eco-tourist facility in Princetown.
The company wants to construct an eco-lodge with 20 rooms and 20 eco-cabins at the site; the development would also include a restaurant, a lookout structure, office, pool and a day spa.
Montarosa submitted a works approval application to EPA in October that relates to the development’s proposed wastewater treatment facility.
EPA Development Assessments Manager Tim Faragher said the main concerns reflected in submissions were about the potential for impacts from the development on the local wetland; for example wastewater treatment and associated issues.
“EPA officers will take all concerns raised within the public consultation period, including the likes of wastewater treatment and associated issues, into account when assessing Montarosa’s works approval application,” Mr Faragher.
“What we know at this stage is that the site is not connected to a sewer system but the applicant intends to treat sewage generated by the resort and irrigate the resulting treated wastewater on site.”
Mr Faragher said the community would be provided with another opportunity to provide feedback about the application once additional information requested from Montarosa had been received and examined by EPA.
“EPA has issued the company with a notice that requires it to provide EPA with more details about aspects of its proposal including: a land capability assessment to determine land availability for irrigation, a soil investigation, a groundwater investigation, wastewater treatment design details and effluent disposal options,” Mr Faragher said.
Mr Faragher said the additional information, which may take the company some time to submit, would allow EPA to ensure that any environmental risk from the site was minimised.
“Once EPA receives this from the company there will be a community event held to allow further public discussion about any concerns local residents might have,” Mr Faragher said.
“EPA will advise those who have already made submissions regarding the proposal when the further information is available and also of the exact details of the community event once they are confirmed.”
Works approvals are issued by EPA Victoria under the Environment Protection Act 1970. They are required for industrial and waste management activities that have the potential for significant environmental impact.