Government approvals for trial dredge

Port of Melbourne Corporation (PoMC) required consent from the Victorian and Federal Governments before starting the trial dredge.

In July 2005, the Victorian Government gave consent  under the Coastal Management Act (1995). This consent required an independent auditor to monitor the operation and a comprehensive Environmental Management Plan to ensure the trial was subject to strict environmental controls.

However, an Environment Effects Statement was not required for the trial due to its small scale, localised nature, seasonal timing and short duration.

The Commonweslth Department of Environment and Heritage advised PoMC that the Commonwealth Minister for Environment determined that the trial dredging project was not a controlled action under the EPBC Act.

The trial started on Friday 5 August 2005 and was completed in September 2005.