Tuesday, 16 June 2026

 Bev McARTHUR (Western Victoria) (12:58): (2388) My question is for the Minister for Planning. The Western Renewables Link inquiry and advisory committee concluded public hearings on 3 March 2026 and submitted its report on 8 May 2026, ahead of the minister’s assessment under the Environment Effects Act 1978. Constituents across Western Victoria engaged with the environment effects statement process in good faith. They are not bystanders. They are farmers, landholders, families and communities who will live with the permanent consequences for their properties: bushfire risk, land use, environmental values and regional amenity. Planning Panels Victoria says release of the report is at the minister’s discretion. Will the minister stand with those affected communities and release the IAC report publicly in full or in a substantially unredacted form before announcing her assessment, rather than forcing them into uncertain and delayed FOI processes – (Time expired)