2018

Early 2018

North East Link referred the project (which included North East Link, the M80 Ring Road Completion and Eastern Freeway Upgrades) to the Minister for Planning for a decision on whether an Environment Effects Statement (EES) was required. Read the North East Link project outline.

2 February 2018

The Minister for Planning decided that an EES was required. Read the declaration (PDF, 1.1 MB) and the reason for the decision (PDF, 568.2 KB).

22 May 2018

The Minister for Planning issued draft scoping requirements for public comment. The scoping requirements set out the matters to be investigated and documented in the EES. Read the draft scoping requirements (DOCX, 1.3 MB).

24 June 2018

The Minister for Planning issued final scoping requirements. View the final scoping requirements (DOCX, 524.4 KB).

2019

10 April to 7 June 2019

The EES, including a draft Planning Scheme Amendment and Works Approval application were exhibited for public submissions. View the EES and read the submissions made on Engage Victoria.

11 April 2019

The Minister for Planning appointed an independent Inquiry and Advisory Committee to review the EES and public submissions, chair a public hearing and make a report of recommendations to help inform the Minister’s assessment of the project. Read the details of the committee members.

21 June 2019

The independent Inquiry and Advisory Committee held a Directions Hearing to make arrangements for and answer questions about the Public Hearing.

25 July to 16 September 2019

The independent Inquiry and Advisory Committee chaired a public hearing to meet and speak with expert witnesses as well as people and organisations who had made written submissions. Read the documents tabled, including statements from expert witnesses, and links to recordings on Engage Victoria.

22 October 2019

The independent Inquiry and Advisory Committee submitted a report of recommendations to the Minister for Planning. Read the report of recommendations.

5 December 2019

The Minister for Planning released his assessment of the EES. The assessment helped inform decisions about whether approvals for the project should be granted and what conditions should apply. See the assessment of the EES and read more about the key approval documents.