The three independent Delegates assessing the proposed Browse Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Precinct strategic proposal have called for new technical and scientific information to be submitted for their consideration.
Chairman Gerard Early said individuals, non-government organisations and government agencies that provided a non-proforma submission during the previous process would be invited to update technical or scientific information.
Mr Early noted that a large number of people had previously provided pro-forma submissions and the information in those submissions would be fully considered by the Delegates.
“The Delegates and I will still fully consider all of the information previously provided in both pro-forma and non-proforma submissions so there is no need to resubmit original submissions,” Mr Early said.
“However we understand that new or additional information relevant to the environmental assessment of the strategic proposal may now be available. For this reason, we are offering those who had made previous non-proforma submissions the opportunity to update any technical or scientific information.”
Mr Early said as the Strategic Assessment Report (SAR) on the Browse LNG proposal was released for public review in late 2010, the Delegates had confirmed with the Department of State Development that the proposal remained the same.
Mr Early said a letter would be sent today to all non-proforma submitters, who will have until September 9, 2014 to respond.
Process:
Background:
- Following an August 2013 Supreme Court finding that there had been no valid assessment of the Minister for State Development’s strategic proposal and no valid report on that assessment, the EPA, with the approval of the Minister for Environment, delegated its powers under Part IV of the Environmental Protection Act 1986 to assess the strategic proposal, to three delegates (Gerard Early PSM, Dr Tom Hatton PSM and Glen McLeod), who had no previous involvement in this matter.
- Once the Delegates have completed their assessment, they will report to the Minister for Environment. Their recommendation will be open for a two-week public appeal period. Appeals will be administered by the Appeals Convenor. The Minister for Environment will consult with other decision-making authorities before making the final decision.
Media Contact: Nadia Miraudo 0400 866 450
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