Goschen Environment Effects Statement

Environment Effects Statement

VHM Limited is planning to develop the Goschen Rare Earths and Mineral Sands Project in the Loddon-Mallee region of Victoria.  Situated approximately 275 kilometres north-west of Melbourne and 35 kilometres south of Swan Hill, the project will involve the mining and processing of rare earth minerals and heavy mineral sands over a 20-25 year mine life.  Mine products are proposed to be transported via road and rail for export overseas.

EES on display

The EES, the draft Planning Scheme Amendment (PSA), and the Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) Development Licence application for the Goschen Rare Earths and Mineral Sands Project are now available for public comment, for a period of 40 business days.

The EES identifies the project benefits and potential impacts on the environment during construction, operation and closure phases, and proposed measures to manage any effects.

The Goschen Project EES is on public exhibition from 20 November 2023 until 11.59 pm 17 January 2024.

During this time, members of the public can view the EES and make written submissions.  Only one submission is needed to address all of your views about the project, its effects and the associated documents.

View the EES

The EES, draft PSA and EPA Development Licence application are now available to read and download on this website. Hard copies of the EES, draft PSA, and EPA Development Licence application will be made available at the following locations during the exhibition period:

Sir John Gorton Library Kerang – 2 Shadforth Street, Kerang VIC 3579

Gannawarra Shire Council offices – Patchell Plaza, 47 Victoria Street Kerang VIC 3579

Swan Hill Public Library – 53/67 Campbell Street, Swan Hill VIC 3585

Swan Hill Rural City Council offices – 45 Splatt Street Swan Hill VIC 3585

State Library of Victoria – 328 Swanston Street, Melbourne VIC 3000

Individuals can request an EES information pack by contacting VHM Limited on the below details. Packs include:

• A downloadable electronic version of the EES, all attachments (including the draft PSA and EPA Development Licence application) and Summary Brochure (via email); or
• Printed copy of the Summary Brochure and USB containing the EES and all attachments (including the draft PSA and EPA Development Licence application).

For those who may have accessibility requirements, or where electronic options are impracticable, hard copies of some documents may be requested.

Email: community@vhmltd.com.au

Telephone: (03) 5450 8804

To request a copy of the Information Pack please complete this form.

Please note, the EES is a large document, and we encourage the use of electronic versions. Printed copies can be arranged for an at cost fee.

How to make a submission

Anyone can make a submission on the EES, the draft PSA, and the EPA Development Licence application. Submissions must be made in writing and be received by 11.59 pm 17 January 2024. Only one submission is needed to address all your views about the Project, its effects and the relevant documents, including the draft PSA and EPA Development Licence application.

Online submissions are preferred and can be lodged via the Victorian Government’s Engage Victoria website at: https://engage.vic.gov.au/Goschen-IAC.

Where a submitter is unable to lodge a submission online, they can contact Planning Panels Victoria (PPV) through the Customer Call Centre on 136 186 (select Option 6) and request a hard copy submission cover sheet. Each hard copy submission must be accompanied by a coversheet issued by PPV for privacy reasons.

All submissions must state the name and address of the person making the submission.

Petitions will be treated as a single submission and only the first names from a petition will be registered and contacted. Pro-forma submitters will be registered and contact­ed individually if they provide their contact details. However pro-forma submitters who want to be heard at the hearing may be encouraged to present as a group, given their submissions raise the same issues.

Submissions will be treated as public documents and will be published on the Engage Victoria website.

Do not include personal information in the body of submissions (such as your email address or phone number) or photographs of people, particularly children. Your submission and your name will be made public.

The submission process is independently managed by PPV and any enquiries regarding the submissions and the Inquiry and Hearing process should be directed to PPV.

Find out more and stay involved

Community input is an important part of the EES process and continued development of the Goschen project.

Visit our website to:

• ask a question
• sign up to receive Project Update newsletters
• find the latest information about the Goschen project

Call us on (03) 5450 8804

Visit the Community page

Email us at community@vhmltd.com.au