This information has been provided by the Department of Environment:
This is an assessment where the proponent manages the public comments process during the draft publication phase of an assessment. This is standard process as per Section 95A (3) of the EPBC Act (available here).
Public comments are required to be provided to the Department in full once the public comment period has ended.
Any public comments received are required to be addressed by the proponent before a decision on whether or not to approve the action can be made.
Comments are not published for privacy reasons, however the final Preliminary Documentation, inclusive of any amendments resulting from public comments as well as summary of any public comments received will be published for information only.
Once the final Preliminary Documentation is published and all required administrative requirements have been met (e.g. submission of documents, payment of fees etc.), the Minister will have 40 Business Days to make a decision on whether or not to approve the development.
