15.2.1 Discussion Paper The Discussion Paper outlined the scope and intent of the Review and called for registration of interest and submissions. The notification to vary was advertised in The Age and the Herald Sun newspapers on 20 June 2015, 22 July 2015 and 24 July 2015. Notice of the formal commencement of the Review, the discussion paper and the opportunities to participate were placed on both EPA Victoria’s and DELWP’s internet sites. [Footnote 124 - State Environment Protection Policy (Waters) Review Discussion Paper, DELWP, June 2015]. The discussion paper asked questions and sought feedback on the policy scope and objectives, beneficial uses and water quality indicators and objectives. This helped communities and stakeholders give informed feedback on how water environments should be managed and protected in the future. Over 250 stakeholders registered their interest to be kept informed of developments in the Review. Feedback on the Discussion Paper was received via 46 written submissions as well as through workshops, meetings and discussions. This information has been used to shape the Draft SEPP (Waters), particularly the review of beneficial uses and the rules and obligation section of the draft Policy. For example, stakeholder feedback suggested that the geothermal capacity of groundwater should be protected by recognising it as a new beneficial use under the Policy. This proposal was investigated and validated through further consultation with impacted stakeholders and has been included in the draft Policy. 15.2.2 Consultative Committees Two stakeholder reference committees were established for the Review. These were the: •Stakeholder Reference Committee (SRC); and the •Internal Review Committee (IRC). Under its Terms of Reference the SRC and the IRC provided a forum for stakeholders with an interest in the Review to collaborate in the policy development process. Eight committee meetings were held over 2016-2017 with feedback discussed and incorporated into draft policy positions. The consultative committees: • Included stakeholders with a high interest or impacted by the Draft SEPP (Waters); • Ensured geographic representation across Victoria; • Included stakeholders with implementation knowledge in the SEPP or related areas; • Represented interests in all water environments covered by the SEPP– marine, groundwater, freshwater/surface water, agriculture, stormwater; and • Had broad composition so that the major stakeholder groups views are represented (Table 12). Feedback received from these meetings were critical in informing the development of the Draft SEPP (Waters). Committee members were also provided with the opportunity to view the Draft SEPP (Waters), PIA and Implementation Plan.
15.2.1 Discussion Paper The Discussion Paper outlined the scope and intent of the Review and called for registration of interest and submissions. The notification to vary was advertised in The Age and the Herald Sun newspapers on 20 June 2015, 22 July 2015 and 24 July 2015. Notice of the formal commencement of the Review, the discussion paper and the opportunities to participate were placed on both EPA Victoria’s and DELWP’s internet sites. [Footnote 124 - State Environment Protection Policy (Waters) Review Discussion Paper, DELWP, June 2015]. The discussion paper asked questions and sought feedback on the policy scope and objectives, beneficial uses and water quality indicators and objectives. This helped communities and stakeholders give informed feedback on how water environments should be managed and protected in the future. Over 250 stakeholders registered their interest to be kept informed of developments in the Review. Feedback on the Discussion Paper was received via 46 written submissions as well as through workshops, meetings and discussions. This information has been used to shape the Draft SEPP (Waters), particularly the review of beneficial uses and the rules and obligation section of the draft Policy. For example, stakeholder feedback suggested that the geothermal capacity of groundwater should be protected by recognising it as a new beneficial use under the Policy. This proposal was investigated and validated through further consultation with impacted stakeholders and has been included in the draft Policy. 15.2.2 Consultative Committees Two stakeholder reference committees were established for the Review. These were the: •Stakeholder Reference Committee (SRC); and the •Internal Review Committee (IRC). Under its Terms of Reference the SRC and the IRC provided a forum for stakeholders with an interest in the Review to collaborate in the policy development process. Eight committee meetings were held over 2016-2017 with feedback discussed and incorporated into draft policy positions. The consultative committees: • Included stakeholders with a high interest or impacted by the Draft SEPP (Waters); • Ensured geographic representation across Victoria; • Included stakeholders with implementation knowledge in the SEPP or related areas; • Represented interests in all water environments covered by the SEPP– marine, groundwater, freshwater/surface water, agriculture, stormwater; and • Had broad composition so that the major stakeholder groups views are represented (Table 12). Feedback received from these meetings were critical in informing the development of the Draft SEPP (Waters). Committee members were also provided with the opportunity to view the Draft SEPP (Waters), PIA and Implementation Plan.