Stronger Community Engagement Needed for Industry Development Proposals
The CWA has submitted feedback (see below) to the EPA Victoria on improving pre-engagement processes for industry-led development proposals that require EPA permissions. Our key message? Community voices must be heard early, often, and meaningfully—especially when projects impact waterways.
Why Change is Needed
Current engagement frameworks are often vague and inconsistent, leading to disputes and delayed resolutions. A recent case involving Coliban Water and the EPA over sewage discharge into the Campaspe River demonstrated how early, structured, and enforceable engagement could have led to better outcomes from the outset. Without clear requirements, community concerns risk being overlooked until it’s too late.
Key Recommendations:
🔹 Stronger, Transparent Engagement Framework – Establish clear, enforceable expectations for industry engagement before applications are lodged.
🔹 Ongoing Community Involvement – Engagement shouldn’t stop once approvals are granted. It must continue throughout a project’s life cycle.
🔹 Expanded Notification for Waterway Impacts – The potential maximum 5km notification range is insufficient when it comes to discharges to waterways; all downstream communities should be informed.
🔹 Full Transparency on Data & Decisions – Both historic and real-time environmental monitoring data should be publicly accessible to prevent hidden risks.
What’s Next?
We’re recommended that the EPA to further strengthen community engagement requirements, ensuring that waterway health and local voices are prioritised from the beginning—not sidelined.