Why the EES is a flawed process

The EES process was originally a process that assessed the environmental effects of a proposal to ascertain whether it should proceed or not. This EES is designed to minimize or mitigate the environmental effects regardless of their severity. This is a puzzling course for a modern, democratic government. The project potentially threatens our environment for present and future generations but was announced as a fait accompli without the environmental effects being understood. The specific areas that should concern all Victorians are as follows.

1. Discussion of more cost effective or environmentally sustainable options is excluded. The evidence that desalination is the worst solution for Melbourne’s water problems is overwhelming and yet this cannot be included in the EES Panel discussions. (See Supply and Demand Analysis – Melbourne’s Water, YWYS for more information).

2. Does not include the government’s justification of the need for the project.

3. The scoping document suggests that the panel will only have the authority to set guidelines for the project to proceed and not decide whether or not it should proceed.

4. Discussion of alternative sites is excluded. Desalination plants around the world, where necessary, are predominantly in industrial areas. Not unspoiled coastal areas.

5. Time span – Nominal time span for a serious EES is a minimu