Healesville-Koo Wee Rup Road Upgrade
Proponent: VicRoads
VicRoads proposes to upgrade Healesville-Koo Wee Rup Road between the Pakenham Bypass and the South Gippsland Highway in the Shire of Cardinia. The proposed upgrade extends for a distance of approximately 15 kilometres. The first stage (1A) is a new bypass of Koo Wee Rup township.Minister for Planning's Approval
Following consideration of the Advisory Committee Report, the Minister for Planning approved Amendment C150 to the Cardinia Planning Scheme on 28 February 2013, which facilitates the Healesville-Koo Wee Rup Road Upgrade.
The Amendment introduces a Public Acquisition Overlay (PAO) to the land required for the long-term development of the route and removes sections of the existing PAO that are no longer required. The Amendment also introduces an incorporated document that provides planning approval for the first stage of development of the route - a bypass of the Koo Wee Rup township.
Advisory Committee process
In order to provide an integrated assessment of the potential impacts of the proposed upgrade, the Minister for Planning appointed an Advisory Committee under section 151 of the Planning and Environment Act 1987.
The Advisory Committee was to address relevant matters in relation to the alignment and design of the upgrade in accordance with requirements under the Environment Effects Act 1978, the Planning and Environment Act 1987 and the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.
The Advisory Committee invited public comment on the Planning Assessment Report and the draft Amendment to the Cardinia Planning Scheme for the proposed Healesville-Koo Wee Rup Road Upgrade from 25 June to 27 July 2012.
These documents can be viewed at the VicRoads website.
The Advisory Committee submitted its report to the Minister for Planning on 2 November 2012.
Project history
On 18 May 2010, the former Minister for Planning decided that an Environment Effects Statement (EES) under the Environment Effects Act 1978 was not required for the proposal subject to three conditions, including the preparation of a report assessing the likely effects of the project on local fauna species listed under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 and on native vegetation. The decision also provided for the appointment of an Advisory Committee.
Read the Reasons for decision (PDF - 601 KB)
On 21 January 2011, the delegate for the Commonwealth Minister of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities decided that the project was a controlled action, which requires assessment and approval under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 because of potential impacts on listed threatened species and communities and wetlands of international importance.
The Victorian advisory committee process that was accredited under the bilateral agreement between the Commonwealth and the State of Victoria was applied to the upgrade project.
Further information
- Questions relating to the project should be directed to Tony Hillman at VicRoads - Phone: (03) 9881 8806 or email: mseprojects@roads.vic.gov.au
- Questions relating to the Advisory Committee process should be directed to Ms Greta Grivas at Planning Panels Victoria - Phone: (03) 9637 9692.