An EES is an assessment process that helps ensure major projects are designed, constructed and operated to minimise adverse environmental and community impacts.

It requires detailed investigation across a wide range of environmental factors including ecological, physical and social elements. The EES for the Warburton Mountain Bike Destination is being currently being prepared by Yarra Ranges Council.

Assessments for the EES will build on the extensive investigations, sensitive design work and consultation undertaken over several years.

Previous technical studies and assessments have helped to establish the existing conditions in the project area, which provides a baseline to examine and review changes and possible impacts.

The project team will undertake a range of specialist studies to inform the impact assessments in the project’s EES, which will clearly describe potential impacts and possible mitigation measures.

Community feedback is invited and will be considered in impact assessments and preparation of the EES. There will be the opportunity to view the EES and have a say on its findings, when it is publicly exhibited in early-mid 2021. Formal feedback will be considered by an independent Inquiry Panel appointed by the Minister for Planning.

Learn more by visiting the Department of Land Water and Planning project page.