Terms of reference

If a project is declared a coordinated project requiring an EIS, the Coordinator-General prepares a draft terms of reference (TOR) that set out the matters the project proponent must address when preparing the EIS.

State government advisory agencies are then invited to comment on whether the draft TOR adequately covers all matters the project proponent must address when preparing the EIS.

In some instances, the Coordinator-General may also seek comments from the public.

The Coordinator-General is required to finalise the TOR as soon as practicable after the consultation closes or, if the draft TOR were not publicly notified, as soon as practicable after advising the project proponent that an EIS is required. There are fees associated with the finalisation of the TOR.

For examples of finalised TORs for coordinated projects, refer to projects on the current projects page.

Revising the TOR

The TOR may be revised if:

• there are significant changes to the project concept or design
• significant new issues emerge during the preparation of the EIS.

Depending on the nature and extent of these changes, another round of comment by the advisory agencies may be required on the amendments to the TOR.