The Stage One rail infrastructure works proposed by Suburban Rail Loop Authority (SRLA) have been declared by the Minister for Planning Richard Wynne to be Public Works for the purposes of the Environment Effects Act 1978.
The Government has always intended to undertake an Environmental Effects Statement (EES) in relation to the Suburban Rail Loop. The declaration confirms SRLA is required to prepare an Environment Effects Statement, Victoria’s most comprehensive and transparent planning and environmental assessment process.
The EES will assess the potential environmental impacts or effects associated with Stage One of Suburban Rail Loop and what can be done to reduce any potential impacts, as part of a comprehensive and transparent process.
Separately, applications are now open for community members to join one of six Precinct Reference Groups (PRGs) being established for Cheltenham, Clayton, Monash, Glen Waverley, Burwood and Box Hill as important forums for local input and feedback during the planning, development and delivery of Suburban Rail Loop.
The PRGs will enable the government, SRLA and project contractors to liaise directly with key stakeholders and community representatives. They will give community members an opportunity to provide feedback about local priorities, values, ideas, and a forum in which to resolve potential issues or concerns.
In addition to SRLA’s ongoing engagement with the community and stakeholders, there will be plenty of opportunities for people to provide input as part of the formal statutory approvals process.
The EES process is coordinated by the Victorian Government’s Department of Environment Land Water and Planning on behalf of the Minister for Planning.
The public can view the public works declaration for Stage One of Suburban Rail Loop is available online at https:// .
Initial and Early Works on Stage One of Suburban Rail Loop between Cheltenham and Box Hill will get underway in 2022.
To apply for the Project Reference Group visit .
Quotes attributable to Minister for Suburban Rail Loop Jacinta Allan
“This is another important step in delivering Stage One of Suburban Rail Loop – a vital project that will transform how we move around Melbourne and deliver thousands of local jobs.”
“We’ve been working closely with the community and key stakeholders as part of the planning and development of the project – and the Environment Effects Statement process is the next step to getting on with this project.”
Reviewed 21 December 2020