Hi all,

I haven't posted an update for a little while because I was waiting for something substantial to update. Unfortunately I haven't been getting much traction on a few items I was working on.

That said, a few things have happened since the last update. The final documentation of the proposed environmental offsets including comments regarding the submissions that we entered has been published and sent to the department for assessment. Final approval is due on 3rd March. Unfortunately, the department does not appear to be seeking public comment on the decision. The EPBC act recommends public consultation if their is sufficient public interest, but they have decided against it.

Interestingly, the response to public submissions on their draft documentation confirms that they are indeed offering 13 ha of previously promised offset, a letter from their solicitor seems to think if they keep improving it they can count it again. 

Reading between the lines of their submission, they are fully aware that it does not meet state requirements, legal advice that I have sought confirms this.

So, at the end of the day, the weak federal EPBC process allows environmentally destructive development to bypass more stringent protections and be approved anyway. 

With a little more than 4 weeks to go before final decision, I'm happy to take any recommendations on further action. Otherwise please share the petition and approach your local, state and federal members with the letter templates I provided in a previous update.

Regards,
Brett