A strategic assessment is underway for Victoria's Solomon Heights area. The assessment helps to protect threatened species under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). It applies to a proposal to create roads and services for the privately owned blocks.
Strategic assessments are a collaboration between the Australian Government and an assessment partner. This collaboration allows for a big-picture approach to safeguarding protected matters from the impacts of development over a long time.
The Solomon Heights (Vic) strategic assessment on this page is in progress. This means the Environment minister signed an agreement with a partner to undertake a strategic assessment. The partner is now working to develop the required information.
Overview
Solomon Heights is a 32.8 ha area in North Sunshine, around 12 km northwest of Melbourne city.
It's a subdivided site with over 100 separate owners of the small blocks. The undeveloped land is now zoned for industrial purposes.
The area is home to species listed as protected matters under the EPBC Act. These species used to live across Melbourne's west.
Glen Ora Estate Pty Ltd has proposed to develop the southern portion of the site.
It proposes to build roads and services along the mapped road network. Glen Ora Estate Pty Ltd doesn't own any of the blocks in Solomon Heights.
Signed agreement
On 5 June 2017, the Australian Government signed an agreement with Glen Ora Estate Pty Ltd.
They agreed to a strategic assessment of the proposed development at Solomon Heights.
The assessment will be done under section 146 of the EPBC Act.
Final strategic assessment agreement (PDF 1.22 MB)
Final strategic assessment agreement (DOCX 67.74 KB)
Terms of reference
The terms of reference for a strategic assessment detail how the strategic assessment partner is to assess the impacts of their proposed development activities.
In June 2017, Glen Ora Estate Pty Ltd sought public comment on the draft terms of reference for the strategic assessment.
Public comment closed on 11 July 2017.
Final terms of reference (PDF 17.23 KB)
Final terms of reference (DOCX 24.26 KB)
Policy, plan or program and Impact Report
Glen Ora Estate Pty Ltd must prepare a draft plan and strategic assessment report according to the terms of reference.
The plan will describe:
- the proposed activities for the development
- commitments related to protected matters under the EPBC Act.
The report will describe and assess the impacts of actions under the plan on all protected matters.
The public will be able to comment on the draft plan and report before the Environment minister considers endorsing them.
Other Solomon Heights development
Brimbank City Council and the Victorian Planning Authority are also looking at land use options for Solomon Heights.
The council’s process isn't related to Glen Ora Estate Pty Ltd’s proposal, but it could affect the proposal.
Contact Brimbank City Council on +61 3 9249 4000 for more information.
Get in touch
Contact our Referrals Gateway team:
- Email: epbc.referrals@dcceew.gov.au
- Phone: 1800 423 135 between 9 am and 5 pm Canberra time.