River Red Gum Forests Investigation

River Red Gum Forests Investigation Final Report now due 31 July 2008

The Minister for Environment has granted a short extension of time to VEAC to complete the River Red Gum Forests Investigation. The final report is now due to be submitted to the Minister by 31 July 2008. The extension will provide sufficient time for Council to give proper consideration to the views and information presented in the large number of written submissions on its Draft Proposals Paper, and to take into account newly published information relating to environmental water in the investigation area, including the potential impacts of climate change on water yields.

River Red Gum Forests Investigation Draft Proposals Paper Submissions

The River Red Gum Forests Investigation commenced in April 2005. Its purpose is to provide advice to the Victorian Government in accordance with the Terms of Reference given to the Victorian Environmental Assessment Council (VEAC) by the Minister for Environment.

The Investigation includes public land from Lake Hume to the South Australian border and includes the lower reaches of the Avoca, Loddon, Campaspe, Goulburn, King, Ovens and Kiewa Rivers.

NEXT STEPS IN RIVER RED GUM FOREST INVESTIGATION
Our consultation process
Following the release of the River Red Gum Draft Proposals Paper on July 19, VEAC has actively sought the community's input. We have held 9 community forums around the state, attended public meetings and had face to face meetings with many individuals and stakeholders. We have also established a community reference group and indigenous steering committee which have met regularly since the investigation began in 2005. A key part of our consultation process encouraged anyone with an interest in the proposals to make a written submission detailing the specific recommendations they support or the ones they may not. VEAC also encouraged people to include any research or detailed information to support their submission.

End of submission period
Submissions to the River Red Gum Forest closed on 8 October 2007. Around 6800 submissions have been received from people and organisations both inside and outside the Investigation area. Submissions included people both supporting and opposing various recommendations.

Analysing submissions
VEAC Council members and staff will read every submission and analyse the key issues being put forward before preparing its Final Report. All submissions will be made available on the VEAC website unless stated confidential.

The Final Report
The Final Report will be submitted to the Minister for Environment and Climate Change by 31 July 2008. The Government then has approximately six months to provide a response to the Final Report.

Publications:
December 2007 Investigation Newsletter (PDF 230 kb)
Draft Recommendations Explained - Factsheets
Draft Proposals Paper download page
Discussion Paper download page
April 2005 Investigation Newsletter (PDF 2.07 mb)
Boundary Details (PDF 25 kb)
Terms of Reference (PDF 28Kb)

Public consultation process:

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