(1) Can the Minister confirm that Origin Energy plans to build a gas plant within 5 kilometres of the township of Nyora in South Gippsland, Victoria.

(2) Were the people of Nyora consulted prior to approval being given for the plant.

(3) Is the Minister aware of claims by residents of Nyora that, given the prevailing winds and the relatively high rainfall of the area, toxic pollution will be deposited on the town and its inhabitants.

(4) Has there been any scientific study undertaken to investigate the likely health and environmental impact upon the township.

(1) Origin Energy plans to build a gas plant at 5755 South Gippsland Highway, Lang Lang, approximately 6 kilometres west of the township of Nyora in South Gippsland, Victoria.

(2) According to the Environmental Effects Statement/Environmental Impact Statement (EES/EIS), consultation activities were undertaken with a wide range of key stakeholders including local residents of Nyora prior to approval being given for the gas plant. A series of newsletters communicating information about the project, approvals process, technical studies and outcomes and opportunities for public involvement were produced and distributed between August 2001 and February 2002 to all householders in a number of towns and surrounding areas including residents in the township of Nyora.

(3) The Minister is aware of the claims by residents of Nyora.

(4) An Air Quality and Climate Impact Assessment Report for the proposal was prepared by ERM Australia Pty Ltd in 2002. The objective was to quantify and assess the air quality impacts of gaseous emissions from the proposed gas plant. Modelling indicated that the State Environment Protection Policy (SEPP) (Ambient Air Quality) 1999 and SEPP (Air Quality Management) 2001 guidelines (Victoria) will not be exceeded for the major pollutants during the gas plant operation. These guidelines set maximum levels such that human health and the environment are protected as long as the guideline levels are not exceeded.