As part of the planning process, Minister for Planning Rob Hulls released his assessment of the project after considering the Environment Effects Statement, public and government submissions, and the advice of the independent panel of experts appointed to review the project.

The assessment, which follows more than two years of project development and community consultation, is a precursor to receiving final approval for the project.

Final approval will involve a works approval from the Environmental Protection Authority, a planning scheme amendment from the Minister for Planning and a pipeline permit from the Minister for Energy Industries and Resources Theo Theophanous.

Origin Energy major development projects executive general manager Andrew Stock said once final government approval is received, the company’s board will decide whether to move to construct the power station and associated pipeline.

This decision is expected later this year and will depend on other factors such as electricity supply and demand for electricity.

“We’re very pleased with this general endorsement of the proposed Mortlake power station by the Victorian Government,” Stock said.

“We believe the project has the potential to result in significant benefit for the local region, Victoria and the national electricity market, whilst minimising any adverse impacts. We’re pleased the Victorian Government has also seen this to be the case.”

The Mortlake project would be developed using natural gas from reserves in the Otway Basin and would boost Victoria’s baseload generating capacity by 12%.