3Objectives and principles

3 Objectives and principles

(1) The objectives of this Act are to encourage the exploration for geothermal energy in Victoria and to promote geothermal energy extraction for the benefit of all Victorians by—

(a) promoting sustainable, commercial exploration for and extraction of geothermal energy resources and geothermal energy;

(b) establishing that the Crown owns and may seek to gain a return for use of geothermal energy resources and geothermal energy;

(c) establishing secure title and efficient and effective allocation processes to encourage the exploration for, and extraction of, geothermal energy resources and geothermal energy;

(d) establishing transparent, fair and efficient land use and environment planning and land access processes for the exploration for, and extraction of, geothermal energy resources and geothermal energy;

S. 3(1)(e) amended by No. 55/2010 s. 67(1).

(e) ensuring that public health and safety and environmental issues are considered in planning for, authorising, operating and decommissioning geothermal energy operations.

(2) The Minister and all persons employed or engaged in the administration of this Act may have regard to the following in making decisions about the utilization of resources and granting applications under this Act and generally in the administration and enforcement of this Act—

(a) the enhancement of individual and community well-being and welfare by following a path of economic development that safeguards the welfare of future generations;

(b) the provision of equity within and between generations;

(c) the protection of biological diversity and the maintenance of ecological integrity;

(d) recognition of the need to develop a strong, growing, diversified and internationally competitive economy that can enhance the capacity for environment protection;

(e) the adoption of cost effective and flexible measures, not disproportionate to the issues being addressed, including improved valuation, pricing and incentive mechanisms;

(f) the effective integration of both long and short term economic, environmental, social and equity considerations into decision making;

(g) if there are threats of serious or irreversible environmental damage, ensuring that lack of full scientific certainty is not used as a reason for postponing measures to prevent environmental degradation;

(h) decision making should be guided by—

(i) a careful evaluation to avoid serious or irreversible damage to the environment wherever practicable; and

(ii) an assessment of the risk-weighted consequences of various options;