The Victorian Government has published the final scoping requirements for the Environment Effects Statement (EES) for the proposed Victorian Renewable Energy Terminal (VRET) at the Port of Hastings, outlining what environmental and community impacts must be investigated before the project can be assessed by decision-makers.
The Department of Transport and Planning’s project page states the final scoping requirements were approved by the Minister for Planning in November 2025, following two rounds of public exhibition and submissions in November to December 2024 and September 2025.
What scoping requirements are
Scoping requirements are the instructions for the EES. They set out the specific studies and information the proponent must provide, including how the project will be described, what alternatives must be examined, and how potential impacts are to be assessed and managed.
The final scoping requirements document also notes the project has been determined a “controlled action” under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act), which affects how the assessment is coordinated.
Where the terminal is proposed
Planning Victoria describes the proposed terminal as being within the Port of Hastings, about 2.6 km northeast of the Hastings town centre, located between BlueScope’s steel manufacturing plant and Esso’s Long Island Point fractionation plant, at the Old Tyabb Reclamation Area (OTRA) and adjoining waters of Western Port Bay.
The documents state the proposed terminal would extend into the Western Port Ramsar site, an area recognised internationally, including for waterbird habitat.
What the project involves
The final scoping requirements describe a project that includes landside development, land reclamation, a quay wall and quay apron, and dredging to allow ship berthing and access.
Key project figures included in the final scoping requirements include:
- Total project area: approximately 150.3 hectares
- Disturbance footprint: 76.2 hectares
- Land reclamation: approximately 15.3 hectares
- Dredging: approximately 525,000 cubic metres of seabed sediment
The document states construction is scheduled to commence in late 2027, with the terminal expected to be operational by 2030.
What the EES must examine
The Minister’s requirements in the final scoping document list a range of issues the EES must address, including feasible alternatives and mitigation measures. These include potential effects on:
Western Port water and catchment values
Including construction and dredging impacts, changes to seawater quality, and related risks such as sedimentation and waste management.
Biodiversity and ecological values
Including impacts on native vegetation and habitat for threatened flora and fauna, and ecological values of conservation areas, marine reserves and Ramsar sites near the proposal.
Cultural heritage
Including tangible and intangible Aboriginal cultural heritage and historic heritage values.
Amenity and community impacts
Including air quality, noise, traffic, land use and socio-economic values, and landscape and visual impacts, particularly for nearby sensitive receptors including residences.
Who is involved in the process
Planning Victoria states the department has convened a Technical Reference Group to advise on scoping and the adequacy of EES studies and documentation, and to support coordination with other statutory processes. Listed representatives include state agencies and bodies such as EPA Victoria, Melbourne Water, Heritage Victoria, the Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation, and Mornington Peninsula Shire Council, among others.
What happens next
With the final scoping requirements now published, the Port of Hastings Corporation is expected to undertake the required studies and prepare the EES in line with those requirements before the EES is released for public review.
Planning Victoria lists the project status as “EES preparation & review”.
Where to find the documents and contacts
The final scoping requirements are available via Planning Victoria’s Victorian Renewable Energy Terminal project page.
- EES process queries (Impact Assessment Unit, DTP): (03) 8572 7980, environment.assessment@transport.vic.gov.au
- Project queries (Port of Hastings Corporation): engage@portofhastings.vic.gov.au
