A recent inquiry into the Environment Effects Statement Process in Victoria found the Western Australian EPA’s EIA framework to be highly regarded both nationally and internationally.

On 30 September 2011, the Parliament of Victoria Legislative Council Environment and Natural Resources Committee presented its report on the environmental effects statement process under the provisions of the Environment Effects Act 1978, the primary legislation governing the environmental assessment of proposals in Victoria.

The Committee undertook comparative analysis with other Australian jurisdictions, drawing particularly on the Western Australian environmental impact assessment (EIA) framework and supporting legislation.

The Western Australian framework is considered to be an example of a best practice model. The well respected framework was identified to assist in areas where the administration and governance of the Victorian EIA framework could be strengthened and improved.

From the inquiry, the report noted the following aspects as strengths that other jurisdictions should seek to endeavor in implementing:

• The independence of the EPA and the advice subsequently prepared and presented to the Minister for Environment;
• The EPA’s responsibility for determining the level of assessment (undertaken by the Minister for Planning in Victoria);
• The scientific and technical approach the EPA applies to environmental assessment; and
• The power of the Minister for Environment to approve or refuse a project, and to set legally binding conditions.

The Victorian Government is required to table a response to the report within six months - once tabled, this response will also be published.