In December 2020, Huntly Common submitted an Environmental Effects Statement (EES) referral to the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, in relation to its proposed Bendigo Creek Reclamation and Rehabilitation Project. In that same month, the referral submission was accepted by the Department.

The project seeks to restore Huntly Streamside Reserve to its original topography to return a more natural creek system, enrich the ecology, and increase biodiversity. Importantly, the reclaimed area will be immediately and progressively rehabilitated.

Subject to the Minster of Planning’s decisions on the EES, under the Environment Effects Act 1978, the project will also restore the cultural and hydrological values of the Bendigo Creek within the reserve.

An EES would help to ensure that public and stakeholder interests, as well as environmental impact, are independently considered at all times, across the duration of the project.

This move also reflects Huntly Common’s commitment to rehabilitate the nominated area with minimal disruption, deliver a remediated landscape to the benefit of all, and remain honest, open and transparent along the way. 

“Our project has a dual objective,“ said Huntly Common Managing Director, Bruno Campisi.

“As well as economic benefit, we are passionate about delivering the many other shared benefits through restoration and rehabilitation – benefits for the ecology, environment, community, cultural heritage, local economy, jobs, flood mitigation, to name just a few.

The Department’s acceptance of our EES referral is the first step in ensuring that we deliver this project with the environment and community at heart.”

Should the referral be approved by the Minister of Planning, then the EES document is expected to be lodged by July 2021 for the Minister’s consideration.

It is further hoped that a positive response will be received by the end of this year, so that the project may commence early 2022.