An EPBC referral is a formal request made under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) to the Australian Government. It asks the Minister for Environment and Water to decide whether a proposed project is likely to have a significant impact on Matters of National Environmental Significance – such as threatened species, protected habitats or heritage areas – and therefore requires assessment and approval under national environmental law.

ARRC has been referred under the EPBC Act to determine whether the proposed project is likely to have a significant impact on matters of national environmental significance. Following assessment of the referral, the project was determined to be a controlled action, meaning it requires further environmental assessment and approval under the EPBC Act.

A significant body of technical work has already been undertaken to support the process, including investigations relating to biodiversity, ecology and broader environmental management considerations. These studies form part of the material being assessed through the approvals process.

We encourage stakeholders and community members to access the official consultation material, review the information available and participate during the public feedback period. Details regarding submission processes and timeframes are available through the relevant EPBC consultation channels and project information platforms.

We recognise there is strong community interest in the project and remain committed to transparent, respectful and ongoing engagement throughout the approvals process. Community consultation and stakeholder feedback continue to play an important role as the project evolves.

No. The consultation period forms part of the broader environmental assessment and regulatory process. The project remains subject to ongoing assessment, consideration and oversight as approvals processes continue.

Once the 10-business day consultation window closes, ARRC will review any comments received and, within a further 10 business days, publish its responses alongside any updated documentation on this platform.

ARRC notifies the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water that no comments were received. The referral then goes to the Minister for Environment and Water, who has 40 business days to issue a decision.

ARRC provides the department with a full copy of all comments, a summary of how each has been addressed, and revised versions of any documentation. If the department is satisfied the requirements have been met, it forwards the matter to the Minister. If not, it may ask ARRC to do additional work before progressing.

ARRC will publish the revised documentation in full, accompanied by a plain-language summary of what changed and how each comment was addressed, so the community doesn't need to search through hundreds of pages to understand what's different.