Terms of Reference - North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation

3.6. The environmental impact assessment process3.6.1. Methodology of the EISProvide an outline of the environmental impact assessment process, including the roleof the EIS in the Coordinator-General’s decision making process. Include informationon relevant stages of the EIS development, statutory and public consultationrequirements and any interdependencies that exist between approvals sought. Theinformation in this section is required to ensure:• relevant legislation is addressed• readers are informed of the process to be followed• stakeholders are aware of any opportunities for input and participation.3.6.2. Objectives of the EISProvide a statement of the objectives of the environmental impact assessment process.The structure of the EIS can then be outlined and used to explain how the EIS will meetits objectives. The purpose of the EIS is to:• provide public information on the need for the project, alternatives to it and optionsfor its implementation• present the likely effects of the project on the natural, social and economicenvironment• demonstrate how environmental impacts can be avoided, managed or mitigated andthe offsets for any residual impacts• provide information to formulate the project’s construction and operationenvironmental management plans (EMPs).3.6.3. SubmissionsInform the reader how to properly make submissions on the EIS and what form thesubmissions should take. Inform the reader how and when properly made publicsubmissions on the EIS will be addressed and taken into account in the decisionmakingprocess. Also indicate any implications for submissions in the event of anyappeal processes (e.g. material change of use (MCU) applications under SPA).3.7. Public consultation processOverviewThe public consultation process should provide opportunities for communityinvolvement and education. It may include interviews with individuals, publiccommunication activities, interest group meetings, printed material and othermechanisms to encourage and facilitate active public consultation. The publicconsultation processes (community engagement) for all parts of the EIS should beintegrated.Consultation with advisory agencies should be the principal forum for identifyinglegislation, regulations, policies and guidelines relevant to the project and EIS process.Contents of the EISDudgeon Point Coal Terminals ProjectTerms of reference for an environmental impact statement- 9 -