The paper briefly discusses the benefits to proponents of a formal environmental assessment process. It is argued that any process should be fair, cost effective and efficient, involve all affected parties, and should identify important issues at an early stage. The paper outlines the procedure used in Victoria, and the ways in which it attempts to address the above criteria._x000D_
In conclusion the paper discusses progress towards a national approach to Environmental Impact Assessment. This is currently being pursued by the Australian and New Zealand Environment and Conservation Council.