Response to Hillview Quary Project question of support.

What is very important for me is that the decision undertaken by the Council needs to be

• well considered taking all information into account

• that the community is informed as much as possible 

• that  the community is given every opportunity to respond throughout the formal processes.

While I understand the community wants a clear yes or no answer,   I will not pre-empt any Council decision at this stage until all information has been released through the EES and is well considered by the Shire and the community.  I am also minduful not to compromise my position at the Council table because of the pre-juidicial role a Councillor performs when deciding on Planning matters and issues. 

Upcoming steps in the process:

• The Hillview Quarry Project EES will be handed down by the State Government for exhibition of documents by the Department of Environment, Landing, Water & Planning (DELWP) around July,  2021

• The EES will then go on public exhibition

• The community will have an opportunity to responsd through the EES consultation process

• The Shire will be able to put forward a submission and an adopted position statement to the EES consultation process

• The EES Process may also involve further hearings into the matter

• The final decision of whether the project proceeds will be the responsibility of the State Planning Minister

I look forward to taking part in the assessment of the EES once it is released and working with Council to put forward a policy based decision and submission to the EES Consultation process once it is announced.