Environmental planning FAQs

A SER under Part 5 of the EP&A Act does not technically expire. However, because conditions can change, the following applies:

• If 2 years have passed since verification and construction has not started, the SER must be reviewed (GIS report, site inspection, and—if a new substation—re-notification of adjoining occupants). Any material changes will require reassessment and the outcome of the review should be forwarded to the Verifier.
• If 5 years have passed with no construction, the SER must be withdrawn and redone.

Permits and approvals may have their own expiry dates, which should also be checked.

Yes. Any exceptions must be approved by the Manager – Environmental Services and would only be granted in exceptional circumstances. Assessors are encouraged (but not required) to use the EF 17410 SER Site Inspection Checklist.

Yes, as long as the scope of works is clearly described, including:

• substation locations,
• streets with 11kV/415V cabling,
• easements, vegetation removal, and access tracks.

If locations are uncertain, include a broader area to cover possible options. Plans should show enough detail to assess impacts. Where details are missing, assume the worst-case scenario.

If the scope changes significantly (e.g. Aboriginal heritage is identified), a new SER may be required. Any later works not consistent with the original scope will need a separate SER.

Contact Environmental Services if any of the proposed works are associated with State Significant Development.

Yes, provided the works are fully described in the approval and associated assessment (substations, cabling routes, easements, vegetation removal, access tracks). Written confirmation is required from the determining authority or developer that the works are covered.

Contact Environmental Services if any of the proposed works are associated with State Significant Development.

Yes, if the reports cover the footprint and impacts of the electricity works (including easements and access tracks). Include the reports in the SER and capture any relevant conditions.

Yes, if the changes alter:

• route alignment, asset location, scale, or purpose of the works,
• potential environmental impacts, or
• introduce new impacts not covered by the existing SER

Preferably yes, to ensure submissions are received and considered. Exceptions include:

• emergency works to restore power,
• Council confirms no further submissions will be made, or
• Council requests the works proceed.

Any other exceptions require Manager – Environmental Services approval.

Re-notification is required if changes:

• trigger new notification requirements (e.g. new adjoining neighbours), or
• result in a substantially different project or potential new objections.

To avoid re-notification, concept plans should describe all potential works and may include options and a larger footprint for flexibility.

Exempt development does not require 21-day notice under SEPP (Transport and Infrastructure) 2021, but still requires 40-day notification under the Electricity Supply Act unless it is routine maintenance or repairs.

Most urgent works will fall under "emergency works" or "routine maintenance/repairs" and will not require a SER or notification.

Adjoining/adjacent as defined by the SEPP (Infrastructure)

For the purposes of determining notification requirements

• Substation site A on occupier 4: Adjoining/adjacent occupiers are 1, 2 (school), 5, 6, 14 & 15 (5 townhouses)
• Substation site B on occupier 7: Adjoining/adjacent occupiers are 2 (school), 3, 5, 6, 8 & 13
• Substation site C on road reserve: Adjoining/adjacent occupiers are 3, 8, 9 & 11

Note 1: In some cases, it may be necessary to notify additional properties. This should be determined by the EIA.

Note 2: In some cases, it may not be practical to notify all adjoining occupiers (eg large park, farm property etc.). As a guide for distribution works, notification would generally not be required for properties where siting is >50m away and views are not materially impacted.