EES Inquiry and Advisory Committee Hearing for the North East Link Project
Maddocks and Harwood Andrews acting for Manningham City Council, Banyule City Council, BoroondaraCity Council, and Whitehorse City Council
Chris Smitt was engaged to provide independent expert hydrogeological evidence on behalf of the four Councils regarding the potential groundwater and environmental impacts associated with the design and construction of the North East Link Project—Victoria’s largest road infrastructure project—including proposed freeway and tunnel works. His work included a critical review of the project’s EES documentation, groundwater impact assessments, conceptual and numerical hydrogeological models, and proposed management measures. Chris presented expert evidence to the Independent Advisory Committee and participated in expert witness conclaves and technical hearings concerning groundwater-related environmental risks.
Chris successfully defended his opinion that the EES did not adequately assess the nature and extent of potential groundwater-related environmental effects associated with the Project, particularly the impacts of dewatering on environmentally sensitive receptors including Bolin Bolin Billabong and Banyule Creek.
As a result of the evidence presented during the Inquiry, the project proponent was required to undertake additional investigations, validate key assumptions, recalibrate groundwater models, and develop additional Environmental Performance Requirements (EPRs) before the project could proceed to detailed
design. His evidence contributed to strengthening groundwater impact assessment and management measures for one of Victoria’s most significant infrastructure developments.