Gippsland Critical Minerals (GCM) has received formal confirmation that
its redesigned Fingerboards Critical Minerals Project referral will be processed under Victoria’s Environment Effects Act 1978.
The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action has advised that GCM’s referral package is complete and sufficient to inform the Minister for Planning’s decision on whether a full Environment Effects Statement (EES) will be required.
The referral package includes a supporting letter and referral form, detailed figures and site plans, GCM’s proposed design changes, and the scope of ecological surveys planned for the site.
All referral documents are now publicly accessible on the Victorian Government’s Environment Effects Statement website.
Under ministerial guidelines, the Minister for Planning has a target of 20 business days to decide whether an EES is necessary. Once a decision is made, relevant Ministers and statutory decision-makers will be formally advised.
GCM said it remains committed to transparency and ongoing consultation with the community, First Nations groups, and regulatory bodies as the project moves to the next stage of the approvals process.
