For major projects in Australia, understanding and mitigating environmental effects is not just a good idea, it's a legal requirement. Different States and Territories have different triggers, however at the heart of this process is the Environmental Statement, and for any project that will change the landscape, a comprehensive Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) is a critical component.

There are a variety of ways LVIA are required in Australian States and Territories:

VIC:      ‘Environmental Effect Statement’

NSW:   ‘Environmental Impact Assessment’

TAS:      The Tas Planning Commission and Environment Protection Authority provide guidance

QLD:     ‘Environmental Impact Statement’

SA:        ‘Environmental Impact Statement’

WA:      ‘Public Environmental Review’

NT:        Environment Protection Act 2019; potential for "significant environmental impacts."

ACT:     ‘Environmental Impact Statement’

In Victoria for example the specific requirements for what must be included in an EES are set out in "scoping requirements" that are issued by the Minister for Planning for each individual project. These scoping requirements are developed after consultation with government agencies and the public.

At Orbit Solutions we have a deep understanding of these frameworks and the specific requirements for LVIA reports. Our expertise ensures that these assessments are not only compliant but also provide strategic value to your project.

What an LVIA Must Cover

For the purpose of this article, I am referencing Victoria’s requirements as set out by the Minister for Planning, these are similar, though not exactly the same, in other States. A robust LVIA must be thorough and defensible. Orbit’s approach ensures all key elements are covered, including:

• Review of the relevant Policies, the Place and People and also understand the Proposal to determine who, what, where, why and when there will be potential impacts.
• Establishment of the Landscape and Scenic Character and resulting Visual Absorption Classification to understand what should be protected and/or enhanced.
• Analysis of the Proposals degree of contrast/integration within the visual and scenic landscape’s environmental context to determine how the proposal might visually impact the scenic and visual landscape. This should usually utilise technically verifiable Key Observation Points, carefully identified and representational of viewing locations from which the project would likely be visible, such as residential areas, public spaces, and tourist routes.
• Evaluation of the proposed projects quantitative and qualitative attributes. These should deal with the selection of the Location, Siting, Design and Mitigation measures. Consideration of the lifecycle of the project including but not limited to the construction, operation and decommissioning of the project should be evaluated where appropriate. This is a professional analysis of the potential effects during the operational phases of the project.
• Recommendations may be provided that assist in optimising the Proposal or mitigating the visual impacts to generate an outcome that satisfies the requirements that have been established through the LVIA document. This involves the development of practical and effective strategies to avoid or reduce any adverse impacts on the landscape and visual amenity.
• Assessment of the Proposal against the relevant Planning Policies, Management Plans or other relevant Guidelines sets out the acceptability or otherwise of the proposed project.

A well-prepared LVIA is more than just a document—it's a tool for better design and more transparent engagement with stakeholders. It provides project proponents, government agencies, and the community with the clear information needed to make informed decisions.

By partnering with Orbit’s experienced team, you can confidently navigate the complexities of the EES process and ensure your project meets all regulatory requirements, helping to secure a smoother path to approval.

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