Land Use and Planning Impact Assessment (AECOM, 2020)

Attachment 3 Land Use and Planning Impact Assessment (AECOM, 2020)

Golden Beach Gas Project GB Energy (VIC) Pty Ltd 07-Oct-2020

Land Use and Planning Impact Assessment

Golden Beach Gas Project EES Technical Report J

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Land Use and Planning Impact Assessment Golden Beach Gas Project EES Technical Report J

Client: GB Energy (VIC) Pty Ltd

ABN: 63 615 553 010

Prepared by

AECOM Australia Pty Ltd Level 10, Tower Two, 727 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3008, Australia T +61 3 9653 1234 F +61 3 9654 7117 www.aecom.com ABN 20 093 846 925

07-Oct-2020

Job No.: Job No 60618281

AECOM in Australia and New Zealand is certified to ISO9001, ISO14001 AS/NZS4801 and OHSAS18001.

AECOM has prepared this document for the sole use of the Client and for a specific purpose, each as expressly stated in the document. No other party should rely on this document without the prior written consent of AECOM. AECOM undertakes no duty, nor accepts any responsibility, to any third party who may rely upon or use this document. This document has been prepared based on the Client’s description of its requirements and AECOM’s experience, having regard to assumptions that AECOM can reasonably be expected to make in accordance with sound professional principles. AECOM may also have relied upon information provided by the Client and other third parties to prepare this document, some of which may not have been verified. Subject to the above conditions, this document may be transmitted, reproduced or disseminated only in its entirety.

Table of Contents Executive Summary i Overview i Requirement for an EES i Land Use and Planning Context i Existing Conditions ii Key Findings ii Abbreviations iv Glossary v 1.0 Introduction 1 1.1 Purpose of this Report 1 1.2 Why Understanding Land Use and Planning is Important 1 2.0 EES Scoping Requirements 2 2.1 EES Evaluation Objectives 2 2.2 EES Scoping Requirements 2 3.0 Project Description 5 3.1 Overview of Project and Study Area 5 3.2 Key Construction Activities 7 3.3 Key Operational Activities 7 3.4 Key Decommissioning Activities 7 3.5 Activities Relevant to Land Use and Planning 7 4.0 Legislation, Policy and Guidelines 8 4.1 Legislation and Guidelines 8 4.2 Legislation 10 4.2.1 Commonwealth legislation 10 4.2.2 State legislation 10 4.3 Policy 12 4.3.1 State policy 12 4.3.2 Local policy 24 4.4 Guidelines 26 4.4.1 State guidelines 26 4.4.2 Other guidelines 26 4.5 Land Use and Planning Criteria 26 5.0 Methodology 27 5.1 Overview of Method 27 5.2 Study Area 27 5.3 Existing Conditions 27 5.3.1 Desktop assessment and baseline data review 28 5.3.2 Site visit and consultation 28 5.4 Risk Screening 28 5.5 Impact Assessment 29 5.6 Rationale 29 5.7 Limitations and Assumptions 29 5.8 Stakeholder Engagement 30 5.9 Community Feedback 31 5.10 Linkage to other Technical Reports 31 6.0 Existing Conditions 33 6.1 Regional Context 33 6.1.1 Location 33 6.1.2 Geographical regions and natural assets 33 6.1.3 Transport and access 34 6.1.4 Infrastructure 34 6.2 Study Area and Pipeline Corridor 34 6.2.1 Land uses and typologies 34 6.2.2 Land use segments 35 6.2.3 Likely future development patterns 40

7.0 Risk Assessment 41 8.0 Impact Assessment 42 8.1 Strategic Impact Assessment 42 8.1.1 State and local planning policies 42 8.1.2 Geographical regions and natural assets 42 8.1.3 Transport and access 42 8.1.4 Infrastructure 42 8.1.5 Overall response to strategic land use considerations 43 8.2 Study Area and Pipeline Corridor – Construction Impacts 43 8.2.1 Land use impacts 43 8.2.2 Amenity impacts 45 8.3 Study Area and Pipeline Corridor – Operation Impacts 45 8.3.1 Land use impacts 45 8.3.2 Amenity impacts 46 8.4 Study Area and Pipeline Corridor – Decommissioning 47 8.4.1 Land use impacts 47 8.4.2 Impact 47 8.4.3 Amenity impacts 47 8.5 Cumulative impacts 48 9.0 Environmental Management and Monitoring 49 9.1 Measures to be Undertaken to Minimise Impact 49 9.2 Residual Impacts 50 10.0 Conclusion 51 10.1 Existing Conditions 51 10.2 Impact Assessment 51 Appendix A Mapping A Appendix B Risk assessment B Risk assessment process B-1 Rating Risk B-1 Assigning the consequences of risks B-1 Assigning the likelihood of risks B-2 Risk matrix and risk rating B-2 Risk evaluation and treatment B-2 Assigning consequences of risks – land use and planning B-3 Appendix C Site photos C

Figures Figure 1 Pipeline location and gas field 6 Figure 2 Golden Beach gas project schematic 6 Figure 3 Wellington Framework Plan (Wellington Planning Scheme, March 2012) 18 Figure 4 Wellington Central Framework Plan (Wellington Planning Scheme, August 2013) 19 Figure 5 Shore crossing facility location 36

Tables Table 1 Scoping Requirements relevant to land use and planning 2 Table 2 Key Legislation and Policy 8 Table 3 Relevant Zones 22 Table 4 Relevant Overlays 23 Table 5 Assumptions and Limitations 30 Table 6 Stakeholder engagement undertaken for land use and planning 30 Table 7 Community consultation feedback addressed by land use and planning 31 Table 8 Land use and planning interdependencies 31 Table 9 Land use typologies throughout the study area 35 Table 10 Land use and planning risks 41 Table 11 Initial Mitigation Measures 49 Table 12 Supporting EES Technical Assessment Mitigation Measures 49

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Executive Summary This technical report is an attachment to the Golden Beach Gas Project Environment Effects Statement (EES). It has been used to inform the EES required for the project.

Overview GB Energy is an independent Australian company, headquartered in Melbourne, Victoria. GB Energy, as operator of retention lease VIC/RL1(V), is proposing to develop the Golden Beach Gas Field located in the Gippsland Basin approximately 3.8 kilometres offshore from the Ninety Mile Beach coastline and close to the Golden Beach township. The field was originally discovered in 1967. The Golden Beach Gas Project (Project) has a narrow footprint, a short construction period, is dealing with very clean, dry gas and is being developed in an area with existing industry activity. No production from the aquifer is intended and no hydrocarbon liquids will be produced.

Requirement for an EES The Project was referred to the Minister for Planning (accepted on 7 August 2019 by the Minister) to seek advice on the need for an Environment Effects Statement (EES) under the Environment Effects Act 1978 (Vic) (EE Act). On 8 September 2019, the Minister for Planning issued his decision that an EES is required on the basis that the Project has the potential for a range of significant environmental effects on: • Offshore marine biodiversity values; • Aboriginal cultural heritage values; and • Onshore biodiversity values including Lake Reeve, part of the Gippsland Lakes Ramsar site. On 22 November 2019 under delegated authority from the Minister for the Environment, the Department of the Environment and Energy (now referred to as the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment (DAWE) and herein referred to as such) made a decision that the Project is a controlled action under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) and as such would require assessment and a decision about whether approval should be given under the EPBC Act. The Minister considered that the Project would be likely to have a significant impact on the following: • Ramsar wetlands; • Listed threatened species and communities; and • Listed migratory species. DAWE also confirmed the Victorian Government’s advice that the Project will be assessed under a bilateral agreement under the EE Act. The EES allows stakeholders to understand the likely environmental impacts of the Project and how they are proposed to be managed. The Minister’s assessment of the EES will also inform statutory decisions that need to be made on the Project. The EES was developed in consultation with the community and stakeholders. AECOM Australia Pty Ltd was commissioned to undertake a land use and planning impact assessment to inform the EES.

Land Use and Planning Context The EES scoping requirements issued by the Minister for Planning, set out the specific environmental matters to be investigated and documented in the Project’s EES, which informs the scope of the EES technical studies.

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The scoping requirements include a set of evaluation objectives. These objectives identify the desired outcomes to be achieved in managing the potential impacts of constructing and operating the Project. The following evaluation objective is relevant to the land use and planning assessment: • To avoid and minimise adverse effects on land use, social fabric of the community, traffic and road infrastructure, local infrastructure and to neighbouring landowners during construction, operation and decommissioning of the project. A summary of the key assets, values or uses potentially affected by the Project, and the associated impacts assessment are summarised below.

Existing Conditions The Project is located within the municipality of Wellington, affecting Golden Beach, Dutson Downs, Dutson and Longford localities. The region has a number of significant natural assets, including the Bass Strait coastline which is set aside for conservation purposes. The onshore components of the Project commence at Ninety Mile Beach and Lake Reeve which are part of the Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park. Offshore components of the Project commence at the horizontal directional drilling (HDD) exit point on the seabed and extend to the Golden Beach Gas Field. The offshore components are subject to the Marine and Coastal Act 2018 which is not the focus of this report. The onshore pipeline will be buried in a 30 metre wide right of way that extends from the shore crossing facility to the Longford Gas Plants and will be assessed under the Pipelines Act 2005. The subsea pipeline and wells will be assessed under the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2010 (OPGGS Act). At the commencement of the study area is land within Golden Beach to which the Ninety Mile Beach subdivision applies. This area is the subject of a Restructure Overlay to prevent inappropriate land use and development. The majority of the land in this location is heavily vegetated with coastal vegetation and there are a number of unmade roads. The eastern portion of Lake Reeve is within the Rural Conservation Zone whilst the western portion is within Public Conservation and Resource Zone. Lake Reeve consists of low lying land and is subject to inundation. The Project traverses Public Use Zone 1 land which is vested in Gippsland Water, and is used for a range of agribusiness purposes, including recycled water irrigation of pastures, fodder crops, cattle breeding, dryland cropping and softwood forestry. Private land within the study area is generally made up of conservation, mixed farming and grazing land uses, including areas of native vegetation and softwood plantations.

Key Findings Project related activities during the construction phase are likely to temporarily impact land uses within (or close to) the study area, while operational impacts are limited. Aspects of the Project that have been identified as resulting in impacts include: • During construction, land use changes are considered negligible but minor amenity impacts may occur. To address any foreseeable impacts, initial mitigation measures are proposed through implementation of a Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) which is subject to Ministerial approval under the Pipelines Act 2005; • During operation, the pipeline and gas compressor station are considered to have negligible land use and amenity impacts. Initial mitigation measures are proposed through implementation of an Operation Environmental Management Plan (OEMP) which is subject to Ministerial approval under the Pipelines Act 2005 and consultation with affected land owners and Wellington Shire Council in relation to the Voluntary Transfer Scheme; and • During decommissioning, land use changes are considered to have negligible land use and amenity impacts. Initial mitigation measures are proposed through implementation of a

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Decommissioning Environmental Management Plan (DEMP) which is subject to Ministerial approval under the Pipelines Act 2005. The Project will not result in unacceptable or long-term impacts to the existing composition of land uses within the study area and will not diminish the long-term vision for growth and land use planning in the broader Gippsland region. Rather, the Project will support a variety of state, regional and local land use objectives.

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Abbreviations Abbreviation Title

AEMO Australian Energy Market Operator AH Act Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 CEMP Construction Environmental Management Plan DAWE Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment DELWP Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning DEMP Decommissioning Environmental Management Plan DJPR Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions DoEE Department of Environment and Energy EE Act Environment Effects Act 1978 (Vic) EES Environment Effects Statement EMF Environmental Management Framework EP Act Environment Protection Act 1970 EPBC Act Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth) FFG Act Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 HDD Horizontal Directional Drilling Heritage Act Heritage Act 2017 Lease VIC/RL1(V) LPP Local Planning Policies M&C Act Marine and Coastal Act 2018 MNES Matters of National Environmental Significance MSS Municipal Strategic Statement NES National Environmental Significance OEMP Operation Environmental Management Plan P&E Act Planning and Environment Act 1987 (Vic) Pipelines Act Pipelines Act 2005 (Vic) PPF Planning Policy Framework Project The Golden Beach Gas Project Scheme Wellington Planning Scheme VHI Victorina Heritage Inventory VHR Victorian Heritage Register VTS Victorian Transmission System

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Glossary Term Definition

Pipeline Alignment The location of the pipeline Pipeline Corridor The 30 metre corridor of land through which the pipeline alignment is located where the right of way is proposed during construction and the easement is proposed during operation Study Area The 2500 metre buffer area around the Pipeline alignment

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1.0 Introduction

1.1 Purpose of this Report On 8 September 2019, the Minister for Planning issued a decision confirming that an EES is required for the Golden Beach Gas Project (Project) due to the potential for significant environmental effects. The purpose of this report is to assess the potential land use and planning impacts associated with the Project to inform the preparation of the EES required for the Project. Similarly, the Project was referred to DAWE and on 22 November 2019 the Project was declared a ‘controlled action’, requiring assessment and approval under the EPBC Act. DAWE also confirmed the Victorian Government’s advice that the Project will be assessed under a bilateral agreement under the EE Act. This assessment, a technical report supporting the Project EES, provides a detailed understanding of the land use and planning impacts of the Project, informing the development of management measures in the form of construction and operational management plans within a robust Environmental Management Framework (EMF).

1.2 Why Understanding Land Use and Planning is Important Land use impacts occur when a project has an effect on the form, function, amenity or appearance of the existing environment and/or the character of a place or location. Project activities have the potential to impact existing and future land uses or land use policies during the construction and operation phases of the Project. Land use impacts can be positive or negative, and can occur: • When a new use or development, or a change to an existing use or development, has an effect on the use, form, function, amenity or appearance of the existing land use, its environment and/or the character of a place or location; and • Where a change in an existing use or development now or in the future may have an impact on a seriously entertained or an introduced and now established project. Land use impacts may include: • A permanent use inconsistent with existing or future land uses or land use policies; and • A temporary use inconsistent with existing or future land uses or land use policies. Understanding how the Project would impact land use is important to inform the development of effective and appropriate mitigation measures to minimise or manage impacts during both construction and operation of the Project.

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2.0 EES Scoping Requirements

2.1 EES Evaluation Objectives

The scoping requirements for the EES by the Minister for Planning set out the specific environmental matters to be investigated and documented in the Project’s EES, which informs the scope of the EES technical studies. The scoping requirements include a set of evaluation objectives. These objectives identify the desired outcomes to be achieved in managing the potential impacts of constructing and operating the Project. The following evaluation objective is relevant to the land use and planning assessment: Avoid and minimise adverse effects on land use, social fabric of the community, traffic and road infrastructure, local infrastructure and to neighbouring landowners during construction, operation and decommissioning of the project.

2.2 EES Scoping Requirements

The scoping requirements relevant to the land use, socioeconomic, road and transport evaluation objective are listed in Table 1. The table identifies where the scoping requirement has been addressed within this report or the broader EES. Where the scoping requirement is not relevant to this assessment, a reference to the appropriate specialist report is provided. In the context of this report, ‘effects’ includes all potential direct, indirect, on-site and off-site environmental impacts resulting from the Project. The description and assessment of effects is not confined to the immediate area of the Project but also considers the potential of the Project to impact on adjacent or other areas that could be affected, in the context of a systems-based approach. Table 1 Scoping Requirements relevant to land use and planning Aspect Scoping Requirement Section addressed

Key issues • Potential for project works and operations to Section 6.0 (Existing affect business (including fisheries, farming and Conditions) tourism), operations or other existing or Section 8.0 (Impact approved facilities or land uses. Assessment) Golden Beach Gas Project Technical Report B: Marine Environment Golden Beach Gas Project Technical Report M: Social Impact • Potential for temporary or permanent changes to Section 6.0 (Existing use of or access to existing infrastructure in the Conditions) project area and in its vicinity. Section 8.0 (Impact Assessment) • Potential for impacts on reasonably foreseeable Section 6.0 (Existing upgrades to public infrastructure. Conditions) Section 8.0 (Impact Assessment) • Managing traffic disruptions for residents, Golden Beach Gas Project businesses and travellers during the construction Technical Report I: Traffic of the project. • Potential damage to local and regional road Golden Beach Gas Project surfaces from construction activity. Technical Report I: Traffic

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Aspect Scoping Requirement Section addressed

Existing • Describe the demographic and social character Golden Beach Gas Project Environment of residential communities near the project. Technical Report M: Social Impact • Identify fisheries within and near the project Golden Beach Gas Project area. Technical Report B: Marine Environment • Identify existing and reasonably foreseeable land Section 6.0 (Existing uses and businesses occupying land to be Conditions) traversed by, adjacent to, or otherwise affected by impacts from the project. • Identify tourism and recreation use within or Section 6.0 (Existing nearby the project. Conditions) Section 8.0 (Impact Assessment) Social Impact Assessment • Identify strategic plans specifying or encouraging Section 4.0 (Legislation, land use outcomes for land to be occupied by Policy and Guidelines) the project. • Describe the existing road network surrounding Golden Beach Gas Project the project area in terms of capacity, condition, Technical Report I: Traffic accessibility and potentially sensitive users. Likely effects • Identify implications for communities, current Section 8.0 (Impact land uses, recreation and businesses, including Assessment) fisheries and tourism, and immediately Golden Beach Gas Project foreseeable changes in land use. Technical Report M: Social Impact • Assess the potential effects of construction Golden Beach Gas Project activities on existing traffic and road conditions, Technical Report I: Traffic including amenity and accessibility impacts. • Identify potential long and short-term effects of Golden Beach Gas Project the project on existing public infrastructure and Technical Report I: Traffic fire and emergency management. • Identify potential long and short-term economic Golden Beach Gas Project effects of the project, considering direct and Technical Report M: Social indirect consequences on employment and local Impact and regional economy, including fisheries, agriculture, business and tourism. Mitigation • Describe and evaluate the proposed traffic Golden Beach Gas Project measures management and safety principles to address Technical Report I: Traffic changed traffic conditions during construction of the project, covering (where appropriate) road safety, temporary or permanent road diversions, different traffic routes, hours of use, vehicle operating speeds, types of vehicles and emergency services provisions. • Demonstrate whether the project is consistent Section 4.0 (Legislation, with relevant planning scheme provisions and Policy and Guidelines) other relevant policies (including approved management plans for adjacent public land/ reserves).

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Aspect Scoping Requirement Section addressed

• Outline measures to minimise potential adverse Golden Beach Gas Project effects of the project and enhance benefits to the Technical Report M: Social community and local businesses, including Impact fisheries and tourism. Performance • Outline and evaluate proposed measures Section 9.0 (Environmental objectives designed to manage and monitor residual effects Management and on road users and describe contingency Monitoring) measures for responding to unexpected impacts. • Describe proposed measures to mitigate, offset or manage social, land use, marine use and economic outcomes for communities living within and visiting the project area and its environs as well as proposed measures to enhance beneficial outcomes.

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3.0 Project Description

3.1 Overview of Project and Study Area The Project, encompasses the construction and operation of infrastructure to produce gas from the Golden Beach Gas Field (in Victorian waters) for provision to the Victorian Transmission System (VTS) and east coast gas market. The pipeline will be designed to be bi-directional, allowing for the Golden Beach Gas Field, when partially depleted, to be used as a gas storage facility with a 40-year design life. The Project components are: • Offshore drilling, testing and completion of two wells with installation of subsea wellheads; • A buried subsea pipeline from the wells to a shore location approximately 3.8 kilometres south- west of the Golden Beach township; • A 1.5 kilometre shoreline crossing; • Construction of an 21 kilometre buried pipeline in a 30 metre wide right of way; and • A gas compressor station which will compress the gas and collect water entrained in the gas. The Project Footprint includes land that extends from the pipeline alignment along Sandy Camp Road until it reaches Longford-Loch Sport Road at its most northern point. For the purpose of this land use and planning impact assessment, the study area is defined as land within a 2500 metre radius of the proposed onshore pipeline (refer Figure 1 of Appendix A). For the purposes of this assessment the study area has been split into three segments (refer Figure 2 of Appendix A) which are aligned to the planning unit references within the Wellington Planning Scheme: • Segment 1 – Coastal; • Segment 2 – Coastal East, Hinterland; and • Segment 3 – Rosedale-Stradbroke. GB Energy, the operator of retention lease VIC/RL1(V), has progressed or completed several activities to enable project development and definition to better inform the EES process. These include: • Approval of an Environment Plan (PLN-001233) by Earth Resources within the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions (DJPR) with respect to the offshore geotechnical and geophysical investigations to be undertaken to assess seabed conditions and shallow geology for drilling rig location and offshore pipeline; • Offshore geophysical investigations to assess seabed conditions and shallow geology for drilling rig location and offshore pipeline; • Ongoing pipeline placement survey activities and landowner access/easement negotiations; and • Onshore Pipeline survey activities including geotechnical testing, ground proofing investigations, and ongoing field ecology investigations. Figure 1 illustrates the pipeline location including the gas field within retention lease VIC/RL1(V). Figure 2 illustrates the onshore and offshore pipeline and associated infrastructure components of the Project connecting the Longford Gas Plants to the Golden Beach Gas field.

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Figure 1 Pipeline location and gas field

Figure 2 Golden Beach gas project schematic

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3.2 Key Construction Activities

Key construction activities for the Project include: • Offshore drilling of two conventional wells; • Subsea pipeline; • Shore crossing; • Onshore pipeline; and • Gas compressor station, metering facility and shore crossing facility.

3.3 Key Operational Activities

Key operational activities for the Project include: • Production operations – gas extraction and reservoir depletion; • Gas transmission; and • Gas storage.

3.4 Key Decommissioning Activities

Key decommissioning activities of the Project may include: • Decommissioning of the infrastructure; • Depressurisation of the pipeline; • Capping and injection of corrosion-inhibiting water prior to its disconnection; • Plugging and permanent capping of offshore pipeline and facilities; and • Cutting, flushing and retrieval of equipment. Subject to secondary use or repurposing of the site at the end of the Project’s useful life, and legislation requirements at the time, the activities listed above may be subject to change.

3.5 Activities Relevant to Land Use and Planning

Activities relevant to land use and planning include the proposed right of way/easement to facilitate the construction and operation of the pipeline, the introduction of the gas compressor station and the maintenance activities associated with the operation of the pipeline and gas compressor station. The proposed introduction of a 30 metre wide right of way will facilitate the construction of the pipeline. Following completion of construction, a 20 to 30 metre easement is to be retained for operational purposes. GB Energy proposes to obtain an easement in gross for construction and operation of the pipeline (as required under the Pipelines Act). Following construction, the land within the easement will be reinstated to its former condition. GB Energy will place certain conditions on the easement including but not limited to: • erection of structures or excavation of land below a certain depth; • planting of permanent vegetation that may impact the pipeline and line of sight between the pipeline warning markers; and • alteration of the existing contour of the land. Other than the restrictions placed on the easement, landowners will have the right to use the land as allowed by its former condition.

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During operation a number of maintenance activities will occur including monitoring of the condition and integrity of the pipeline and monitoring to maintain an environmental line list analysing soil stability, rehabilitation, declared noxious weeds, pests, pathogens or any environmental values identified within the pipeline corridor.

4.0 Legislation, Policy and Guidelines

4.1 Legislation and Guidelines

Numerous legislative, policy and guidance documents were found to be relevant to this Land use and planning impact assessment and are discussed further in this report. The key legislation, policy and guidelines that apply to the Land use and planning impact assessment for the project are summarised in Table 2 below. Further detail is provided in Section 4.2 to 4.4. Table 2 Key Legislation and Policy Legislation / Guidelines Relevance to the Impact Assessment

Commonwealth Legislation Environment Protection and The Project is a controlled action requiring assessment and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 approval under the EPBC Act. The Project will be assessed (EPBC Act) under the bilateral agreement. National Gas Rules 2020 The National Gas Rules 2020 provide a framework for the regulation of gas pipeline services. Native Title Act 1993 This Project will likely require consideration under this Act and the related Traditional Owner Settlement Act 2010 for native title determination. State Legislation Environment Effects Act 1978 (EE An EES is required for the Project, the Project will be Act) assessed under the bilateral agreement. Planning and Environment Act The P&E Act provides the context for the land use and 1987 (P&E Act) planning impact assessment. Pipelines Act 2005 (Pipelines Act) A pipeline licence is required under the Pipelines Act for the construction and operation of a pipeline. In deciding whether a licence should be granted, the decision making Minster must consider the Pipelines Act, including any written comments received from the Planning Minister or the relevant responsible authority on the effect of the proposed pipeline on the planning of the area through which it is to pass (s49(g)).

Marine and Coastal Act 2018 (M&C Consent from the Minister for Energy, Environment and Act) Climate Change under the M&C Act will be required for any development and use on marine and coastal Crown land. Environment Protection Act 1970 The Project is subject to the requirements of various State (EP Act) Environment Protection Polices. The Project requires an EPA Note: to be repealed when Works Approval and EPA licence to operate a scheduled Environment Protection Act 2017 premise. as amended by Environment Protection Amendment Act 2018 (new EP Act) comes into effect 1 July 2021

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Legislation / Guidelines Relevance to the Impact Assessment

Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 (AH The Project requires a CHMP under the AH Act before Act) commencing any works.

Heritage Act 2017 (Heritage Act) The pipeline corridor does not include or immediately adjoin any heritage sites or places identified on the Victorian Heritage Register or Victorian Heritage Inventory. Therefore, it is not anticipated that permits or consents will be required from Heritage Victoria under the Heritage Act. Water Act 1989 The Project requires approval under the Water Act 1989 for any works in, on or over a waterways designated by the West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority under the Water Act 1989. Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act The Project must consider impacts to flora and fauna and a 1988 (FFG Act) formal ecological assessment is occurring as part of the EES process which will identify any ecological assets affected. A permit will be required to remove listed flora from public land.

Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978 The Project may require a temporary lease to use reserved Crown land (during construction) and leases for pipeline easements (during operation).

Land Act 1958 The Project may require a temporary lease to use reserved Crown land (during construction) and leases for pipeline easements (during operation).

Land Acquisition and The Project must comply with the provisions of the Land Compensation Act 1986 Acquisition and Compensation Act 1986, to the extent that any interest in land needs to be compulsorily acquired for the Project. The provisions of the Land Acquisition and Compensation Act 1986 may also apply to the extent that any access or temporary occupation of land is required for development of the Project.

Subdivision Act 1988 The Project must comply with the provisions of the Subdivision Act 1988.

Other Guidelines

Code of Environmental Practice – Any proposed mitigation or management measures for the Onshore Pipelines Project should be consistent with the Code.

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4.2 Legislation

4.2.1 Commonwealth legislation 4.2.1.1 Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 The EPBC Act is the Commonwealth’s principal environmental protection and biodiversity conservation legislation. It provides for the conservation of biodiversity and the protection of the environment, particularly those aspects which are considered to be among the nine Matters of National Environmental Significance (MNES), including World Heritage Properties, National Heritage Places, Ramsar wetlands, nationally-listed threatened species and ecological communities and listed migratory species. The EPBC Act states that ‘controlled’ actions, i.e. actions that are determined as likely to have a significant impact on a MNES are subject to assessment and approval under the EPBC Act. 4.2.1.2 National Gas Rules 2020 The National Gas Rules govern access to natural gas pipeline services and elements of broader natural gas markets. The Rules are made by the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC), amended regularly and have the force of law. The Rules seek to achieve the National Gas Objective ‘to promote efficient investment in, and efficient operation and use of, electricity services for the long term interests of consumers of electricity with respect to: • Price, quality, safety and reliability and security of supply of electricity; and • The reliability, safety and security of the national electricity system.’ 4.2.1.3 Native Title Act 1993 The Native Title Act 1993 provides a national system for the recognition and protection of native title for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and for its coexistence with the national land management system.

4.2.2 State legislation 4.2.2.1 Environment Effects Act 1978 The EE Act contains a framework by which projects with the potential to have significant effects on the environment may require the preparation of an Environment Effects Statement (EES) for assessment by the Minister for Planning. An EES may be required for declared ’public works’ or works determined by the Minister for Planning to require an EES following referral. Where an EES is required, scoping requirements are issued by the Minister for Planning to guide the preparation of the EES. Once prepared it is placed on exhibition for public review and submission (typically for a period of 30 days). Public submissions can be considered in a number of ways by an inquiry panel appointed by the Minister for Planning. After considering all relevant submissions and conducting any necessary hearings, the inquiry panel’s report is provided to the Minister for Planning to assess the environmental effects of the project to relevant statutory decision-makers to inform their decision whether or not to approve the project and, if so, on what conditions. 4.2.2.2 Planning and Environment Act 1987 The P&E Act is the primary legislative framework used to guide and regulate land use, planning and development related matters within Victoria. In particular, the P&E Act provides the framework for planning schemes, which contain State and Local Government policy, together with a suite of zone, overlay and particular provisions that apply to each municipality in Victoria and which manage land use and development. The P&E Act does not apply directly to the Project as a result of the application of the Pipelines Act. Section 85 of the Pipelines Act states that if a licence is issued under this Act for the construction and operation of a pipeline, nothing in a planning scheme under the Planning and Environment Act 1987: • Requires a permit under that Act for the use and development of land or the doing or carrying out of any matter or thing for the purpose of the pipeline; or

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• Prevents the use or development of land or the doing or carrying out of any matter or thing for the purpose of the pipeline. 4.2.2.3 Pipelines Act 2005 The Pipelines Act is the primary legislative framework introduced to specifically manage pipeline construction, development and operation within Victoria. Pursuant to Section 32 of the Pipelines Act, an applicant for a Pipeline licence must give notice of the application to the Planning Minister, and Section 49 operates such that any comments of the Planning Minister ‘…on the effect of the proposed pipeline on the planning of the area through which it is to pass must be considered in the issuing of a licence’. Consequently, the Planning Minister’s views on the land use and planning impacts of a pipeline must be considered. The P&E Act and the Scheme that operate under its authority would inform this assessment. Further, the Pipeline Regulations 2017 require that an application to construct and operate a pipeline must contain identification of the environmental, social and safety impacts arising from the proposed pipeline and pipeline operation, based on the surrounding current land uses and reasonably foreseeable future land uses. 4.2.2.4 Marine and Coastal Act 2018 The M&C Act aims to protect Victoria’s marine and coastal environment. The Act provides an integrated and coordinated approach to planning and managing the marine and coastal environment by enabling protection of the coastline and the ability to address the long-term challenges of climate change, population growth and ageing coastal structures. Any use or development of the Victorian marine area or coastal Crown land within 200 metres inland of the high water mark requires consent under the M&C Act. As components of the Project would be located offshore within Victorian waters and use sections of Crown Land within 200 metres of the high water mark during construction, consent is required under the M&C Act. 4.2.2.5 Environment Protection Act 1970 The EP Act provides a legal framework to protect the environment in Victoria, including the protection of air, land and water from pollution. The EP Act is outcome oriented, with a basic philosophy of preventing pollution and environmental damage by setting environmental quality objectives and establishing programs to meet them. The EP Act establishes the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) to administer the EP Act and any regulations and orders made under the EP Act, including orders declaring State Environment Protection Policies (SEPPs). The Environment Protection Act 2017 as amended by the Environment Protection Amendment Act 2018 (New EP Act) is set to come into effect on 1 July 2021, and substantially amends the environment protection framework, including adopting a new general environmental duty and introducing a new permissions scheme including a development licence, operating licence, permits and registrations. 4.2.2.6 Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 The AH Act primarily provides for the protection of Aboriginal cultural heritage in Victoria. Section 49 of the AH Act states that a Cultural Heritage Management Plan (CHMP) is required to be prepared when an EES under the EE Act is required in respect of any works. This CHMP must be prepared and approved prior to the commencement of works. 4.2.2.7 Heritage Act 2017 The Heritage Act 2017 (Heritage Act) creates a system to protect and conserve places and objects of cultural heritage significance in Victoria. The Heritage Act establishes: • The Victorian Heritage Register (VHR), which lists heritage places (buildings, streets, precincts properties etc) and heritage objects (moveable items such as signs, wrecks artefacts) within a defined extent, generally stating why they are significant. The VHR is aimed at preserving listed items and any subdivisions or physical works to a listed item will require a Heritage permit unless there is an exemption or only works with no adverse heritage impact are proposed.

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• The Victorian Heritage Inventory (VHI) lists all archaeological sites (other than those determined by the Executive Director to have low archaeological value), all approved sites of archaeological value, and all sites included in the Heritage Inventory under the Heritage Act 1995 immediately before the commencement of Section 257. Section 124 of the Heritage Act provides that any activities that would result in the excavation of or disturbance to an archaeological site or its objects included on the VHI must first obtain the consent of Heritage Victoria. 4.2.2.8 Water Act 1989 The Water Act 1989 provides the legal framework for managing Victoria’s water resources. The main purpose of the Water Act 1989 is to: • Promote the equitable and efficient use of our water resources; • Make sure our water resources are conserved and properly managed for the benefit of all Victorians; and • Increase community involvement in conserving and managing our water resources. 4.2.2.9 Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 The Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (FFG Act) is the primary legislation dealing with biodiversity conservation and sustainable use of native ecology in Victoria. It provides a legal framework to enable and promote conservation of Victoria’s native flora and fauna, and to enable management of potentially threatening processes. Threatened species and communities of flora and fauna, as well as threatening processes, are listed under the FFG Act. Section 47 provides that a permit is required for the removal of any listed protected flora from public land. 4.2.2.10 Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978 The Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978 provides for the reservation of land for a range of public purposes, stipulates how reserved land must be dealt with and prescribes key governance arrangements for committees of management appointed to manage reserved land. 4.2.2.11 Land Act 1958 The Land Act 1958 provides for all other Crown land that is unreserved. The land that is subject to the Land Act 1958 may be sold, leased or licensed under the Land Act 1958 subject to approval of the Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change. 4.2.2.12 Land Acquisition and Compensation Act 1986 The Land Acquisition and Compensation Act 1986 sets out the process for the compulsory acquisition of interests in land and the payment of compensation. An acquiring authority must comply with the processes set out under the Land Acquisition and Compensation Act 1986 where these powers are relied upon. 4.2.2.13 Subdivision Act 1988 The Subdivision Act 1988 sets out the procedure for the subdivision and consolidation of land and for the creation, variation or removal of easements or restrictions. The Subdivision Act 1988 also regulates the management of and dealings with common property and the constitution and operation of owners’ corporations.

4.3 Policy

4.3.1 State policy 4.3.1.1 Victorian Gas Planning Report (2020) The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) prepares and publishes the Victorian Gas Planning Report (VGPR) as the operator of the Victorian gas Declared Transmission System (DTS) under the National Gas Rule (NGR) 323.

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The VGPR provides a supply and demand, and pipeline capacity adequacy assessment for the Victorian DTS over the next five years. Registered participants in the Victorian Declared Wholesale Gas Market (DWGM) provided AEMO with forecast information to inform the VGPR. The VGPR provides forecast information for the total system and by system withdrawal zone, as required by the NGR. The March 2020 VGPR recognises the Golden Beach gas field as a potential project. The VGPR identifies that the GB Energy project team is currently conducting engineering studies and seeking regulatory and land access approvals, with drilling in 2021 and production in 2022. The gas field is expected to produce over 18 months, before being used as a storage reservoir. 4.3.1.2 Marine and Coastal Policy (2020) DELWP released the Marine and Coastal Policy in March 2020 with the aim to guide decision makers in the planning, management and sustainable use of coastal and marine environments. It provides direction to decision makers including local councils and land managers on a range of issues such as dealing with the impacts of climate change, population growth and ageing coastal structures. The Policy applies to the planning and management of all private and public land and waters between the outer limits of the Victorian coast and five kilometres inland of the highwater mark, including 200 metres below the surface of that land. The Policy includes a Marine Spatial Planning Framework which guides long term planning and management of Victoria's marine environment in an integrated and coordinated way.

4.3.1.3 Renewable Energy Action Plan (2017) Victoria’s Renewable Energy Action Plan (the Plan) establishes Victoria’s long-term renewable energy policy agenda and pathway. The Plan states that Victoria’s renewable energy target is to be 25 per cent renewable energy generation by 2020 and 40 per cent renewable energy generation by 2025. In addition, under the Renewable Energy (Jobs and Investment) Act 2017, Victoria legislated the renewable energy target of 50 per cent by 2030. The Plan identifies the following opportunities: • Setting and delivering on ambitious and achievable renewable energy targets; • Supporting investment in the new energy technologies sector; and • Supporting energy storage that integrates with renewable generation. 4.3.1.4 Victoria’s Climate Change Framework (2016) Victoria’s Climate Change Framework identifies the Government’s long-term vision for climate change action. The vision for 2050 for Victoria is for net-zero emissions. The Framework sets out four pillars that underpin the State’s transition to net zero emissions while maintaining economic prosperity which includes: • Increase energy efficiency and productivity; • Move to a clean electricity supply; • Electrify our economy and switch to clean fuels; and • Reduce non-energy emissions and increase carbon storage. 4.3.1.5 Water for Victoria (2016) Water for Victoria provides a framework to guide smarter water management, bolster the water grid and support more liveable Victorian communities. The actions set out in Water for Victoria support a healthy environment, a prosperous economy with growing agricultural production, and thriving communities. Key actions of Water for Victoria include (among others): • Protect water quality through the State Environment Protection Policy; and • Support regional development and change.

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4.3.1.6 Agriculture Victoria Strategy (2017) The Agriculture Victoria Strategy recognises the sector’s importance to economic growth and its potential for enhancing social and economic wellbeing across Victoria. The Strategy recognises a number of challenges for Victorian farmers including adaptation to climate change and ‘responding to the potential for increased land use conflict’. The short and intermediate outcomes for agriculture in Victoria include ‘Victorian agriculture is better able to adapt to climate change and transition’, ‘collective long-term planning by regional stakeholders seeking agreed agricultural land uses’ and ‘government, industry and community engage in conversations about future regional land use planning, including strategic agriculture land use’. 4.3.1.7 Victoria’s Regional Statement (2015) Victoria’s Regional Statement identifies the diverse aspects of Victoria’s regional economy, including food, fibre, tourism, manufacturing and natural resources. The Statement identifies that Government supports ‘sustainable enterprises such as nature-based tourism, resource recovery / recycling industries and clean and innovative industries that have a natural home in the regions, such as new energy technology.’ Further, the Statement identifies that the Victorian Government is committed to a $20 million fund (New Energy Jobs Fund) to support Victorian-based new energy technology projects that create a or preserve long term sustainable jobs. The Statement specifically identifies the Gippsland region as traditionally deriving its growth from ‘its strengths in natural resources, energy, agriculture and forestry, manufacturing and tourism’. In addition, ‘the region produces around 90 per cent of Victoria’s electricity, 97 per cent of Victoria’s natural gas.’ 4.3.1.8 Gippsland Regional Growth Plan (2014) The Gippsland Regional Growth Plan addresses a wide range of challenges in Gippsland by recognising the regions assets of regional significance and putting in place an integrated planning framework to direct and manage sustainable growth. The Plan establishes policy to guide the use and preservation of assets and identifies that ‘the Gippsland region’s economy is predominantly driven by its abundant natural resources such as productive agricultural land and earth resources including coal, sand, gas and oil.’ A future direction of the Plan seeks to ‘strengthen the energy sector, subject to best practice environmental standards, and identify, protect, extract and process valued earth resources such as brown coal, oil and gas, and sand and rock.’ 4.3.1.9 Planning Policy Framework The Planning Policy Framework (PPF) seeks to ensure that land use and development in Victoria meet the objectives of planning as set out in the P&E Act. The PPF is general in nature and is often used to guide more specific planning policies within a municipality. The PPF clauses that are most relevant to the Project are detailed below: • Clause 11 (Settlement) recognises the need for planning to contribute towards adaptation in response to changing technology, economic viability and the protection of environmentally sensitive areas and natural resources. Additionally, planning is required to prevent adverse environmental and amenity impacts created by siting incompatible land uses close together. • Clause 11.02-1S (Supply of urban land) seeks to ensure that a sufficient supply of land is available for various uses as required, specifically identifying the need to ‘maintain access to productive natural resources and an adequate supply of well-located land for energy generation, infrastructure and industry.’ • Clause 11.03-5S (Distinctive areas and landscapes) seeks to protect and enhance the valued attributes of identified distinctive areas and landscapes. Relevant strategies that support this objective include (as relevant) protecting ‘identified key values of and activities of these areas’, avoiding ‘use and development that could undermine the long-term natural or non-urban use of land in these areas’ and protecting ‘areas that are important for food production.’ • Clause 12 (Environmental and Landscape Values) recognises that planning must assist to protect the health of ecological systems and the biodiversity they support, and conserve areas with identified environmental and landscape values. Planning must also implement the

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environmental principles of ecologically sustainable development and should protect sites and features of nature conservation, biodiversity, geological or landscape value. Further guidance is presented in subclauses which seek to: - ‘Assist the protection and conservation of Victoria’s biodiversity, with particular reference to conservation reserves or national and internationally significant sites. - Ensure no net loss to biodiversity as a result of the removal, destruction or lopping of native vegetation. - Recognise the value of coastal areas to the community and to conserve and enhance coastal areas and ensure sustainable use of natural coastal resources. - Protect and enhance river corridors, waterways, lakes and wetlands. - Protect and conserve environmentally sensitive areas. - Protect and enhance significant landscapes and open spaces that contribute to character, identity and sustainable environments.’ - • Clause 13 (Environmental Risk and Amenity) provides overarching objectives which seek to strengthen the resilience and safety of communities by adopting a best practice environmental management and risk management approach. Subclauses seek to ensure that climate change impacts are considered, bushfire risk is properly assessed, flood hazard is properly mitigated, and floodplains are properly managed. Furthermore, noise effects on sensitive land uses are to be minimised, air quality is to be protected or improved, and contaminated land is to be suitable for its intended use and land use compatibility is prioritised in order to protect community amenity, human health and safety while facilitating appropriate commercial, industrial, infrastructure or other uses with potential adverse off-site impacts. • Clause 14 (Natural Resource Management) aims to assist in the conservation of natural resources including energy, water, land, stone and minerals to support both environmental quality and sustainable development. Further strategies to support this Clause include protecting the State’s agricultural base by preserving productive farmland, the protection and restoration of catchments, water bodies, groundwater and the marine environment, protecting water quality, encouraging the exploration and extraction of natural resources in accordance with acceptable environmental standards and putting strategies in place to provide for the long-term protection of natural resources in Victoria. • Clause 15 (Built Environment and Heritage) recognises the role of energy and resource efficiency in delivering liveable and sustainable cities, towns and neighbourhoods. Planning should ensure that all development appropriately responds to its surrounding landscape, character and cultural context. Planning should also protect places and sites with significant aesthetic, scientific and cultural value. The planning of development should be environmentally sustainable and should minimise detrimental impacts on the built and natural environment. Subclauses further set out to: - ‘Create urban environments that are safe, healthy, functional and enjoyable and that contribute to a sense of place and cultural identity. - Ensure that ‘development respects valued areas of rural character’ and specifically ‘protect the visual amenity of valued rural landscapes and character areas along township approaches and sensitive tourist routes by ensuring new development is sympathetically located. - Encourage land use and development that is energy and resource efficient, supports a cooler environment and minimises greenhouse gas emissions. - Ensure the protection and conservation of places of Aboriginal cultural heritage significance.’ • Clause 17 (Economic Development) requires that planning provides for a strong and innovative economy, where all sectors are critical to economic prosperity. Economic growth is to be promoted by providing for land, facilitating decisions and resolving land use conflicts. Furthermore, this Clause recognises the need to strengthen and diversify the economy including the need to ‘support development of coal-to-products industries such as diesel, fertiliser and gas,

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for both domestic and export markets’ and to ‘facilitate opportunities for innovation and industry development arising from climate change and initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.’ • • Clause 19 (Infrastructure) states that planning should minimise the impact of development on the operation of major infrastructure of national, state and regional significance such as communication networks and energy generation and distribution systems. Planning seeks to ‘facilitate appropriate development of energy supply infrastructure’, ‘ensure that gas, oil and other substances are safely delivered to users and to and from port terminals at minimal risk to people, other critical infrastructure and the environment’ and specifically ‘support continuing production from the region’s oil and gas fields’. Strategies in place to achieve these objectives include: - ‘Support the development of energy facilities in appropriate locations where they take advantage of existing infrastructure and provide benefits to industry and the community. - Support transition to a low-carbon economy with renewable energy and greenhouse emission reductions including geothermal, clean coal processing and carbon capture and storage. - Facilitate local energy generation to help diversify the local economy and improve sustainability outcomes. - Plan for the development of pipeline infrastructure subject to the Pipelines Act 2005. - Recognise existing transmission-pressure gas pipelines in planning schemes and protect from further encroachment by residential development or other sensitive land uses, unless suitable additional protection of pipelines is provided. - Plan new pipelines along routes with adequate buffers to residences, zoned residential land and other sensitive land uses and with minimal impacts on waterways, wetlands, flora and fauna, erosion prone areas and other environmentally sensitive sites. - Provide for environmental management during construction and on-going operation of pipeline easements.’ 4.3.1.10 Wellington Planning Scheme The Wellington Planning Scheme (the Scheme) outlines strategies and objectives to be achieved and planning permit requirements for development within the municipality. The Project is not subject to planning permit approval requirements under the Scheme as planning approval is not required where a licence under the Pipelines Act 2005 is required. However, full consideration has been given to conforming with the intent of overarching Scheme policies, strategies and objectives in locating the pipeline as demonstrated at Section 8.0 of this land use and planning impact assessment. 4.3.1.10.1 Local Planning Policy Local Planning Policy is specific to each planning scheme and consists of the Municipal Strategic Statement (MSS) and individual Local Planning Policies (LPPs). The MSS is a statement of the key strategic planning, land use and development objectives for a municipality and the strategies and actions for achieving those objectives. LPPs are policy statements of intent explaining the expectations of what the responsible authority will do in specified circumstances. The Local Planning Policy must be consistent with the PPF and must demonstrate how State polices are to be considered in each local municipality. Responsible authorities must consider the Local Planning Policy when assessing planning permit applications. The LPP clauses that are most relevant to the Project are detailed below: • Clause 21.01-2 (Environment and Landscape Values) identifies the geographical areas or ‘Planning Units’ that divide the municipality. The relevant Planning Units to this land use and planning impact assessment include: - Planning Unit 4a: Rosedale-Stradbroke is described as having varied land uses with gently undulating plains supporting sheep and beef grazing, sandy soils in the south-east supporting irrigated vegetable production and native forests and forestry plantations situated in the hillier areas. Dryland agriculture and the timber industry are identified as having a very high strategic importance to this area.

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- Planning Unit 7: Coastal East, Hinterland is identified as being typically flat and low lying with some raised dunes in the western end, the land is generally used for sheep grazing, dairying and plantation forestry. This area is identified as having limited strategic agricultural importance as a result of farming areas being of low productivity and being sparsely located. - Planning Unit 8: Coastal is the full length of the narrow primary dune system and associated lakes and lagoons along the municipalities coast line, this area comprises a sensitive and fragile coastal sand dune environment. The agricultural strategic importance of this area is very low as the land is not particularly suitable for agricultural uses. Figure 3 of Appendix A indicates the pipeline location in relation to the Planning Units identified in Clause 21.01-2 (Environment and Landscape Values). • Clause 21.02 (Key Issues and Influences) identifies the key issues and influences that shaped the strategic directions and planning controls of the municipality. Relevant issues and influences include: - ‘The value of the Shire’s agricultural sector will be diminished if high quality agricultural land is fragmented and lost from production. - The Shire’s ecological and landscape features are important State and national assets. - The Shire’s coastal and riverine environments are sensitive to inappropriate development and can be easily and irreversibly damaged. - The Shire’s coastal landscapes are highly sensitive to visible changes, such as inappropriately scaled or sited built form or changes to the existing vegetation patterns. - The Shire has areas of high value biodiversity habitat. - The Shire contains areas of land that are liable to flooding and susceptible to fire. - The natural resource base provides a significant economic opportunity for the Shire - The Shire’s cultural and heritage features are important State and national assets.’ • Clause 21.03-2 (Strategic Framework Land Use Plan) identifies the key directions for future land use planning and development in the municipality with a focus on identifying development opportunity and special value protection areas. Figure 3 and Figure 4 show the Wellington and Wellington Central Framework Plans associated with this Clause.

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Figure 3 Wellington Framework Plan (Wellington Planning Scheme, March 2012)

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Figure 4 Wellington Central Framework Plan (Wellington Planning Scheme, August 2013)

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• Clause 21.04-3 (Settlement Strategies) identifies the following relevant municipality strategies: - ‘Discourage the discharge of wastes (particularly to areas of high conservation significance) unless it can be demonstrated that the wastes can be assimilated without detrimental effect to the receiving environment. - Minimise development (including the construction of roads) within prominent areas such as hillsides, promontories, ridge-lines and headlands, and in fragile, unstable and flood prone areas to lessen their impacts. - Consider proposed major developments outside existing coastal centres only when a genuine need has been demonstrated and environmental capability adequately assessed to ensure minimal adverse impact. - Maintain the natural condition of the coastline between settlements. - Ensure that use or development does not adversely impact on adjacent coastal parks. - Ensure development and works within a wetland are associated with the ongoing use of the land as a wetland.’ • Clause 21.13 (Environment and Landscape Values) provides objectives and strategies for the municipality in relation to rural and natural landscapes, biodiversity, coastal landscape character and significance and specific character areas. Key objectives and strategies identified seek to: - ‘Protect, improve and sustainably manage the Shire’s natural environment and diverse landscapes. - Recognise the visual, landscape and recreational importance of the Gippsland Lakes and coastal environment to the region.’ Specific objectives to achieve this include: ▪ ‘Protect locally significant views and vistas that contribute to the character of coastal and coastal hinterland areas. ▪ Minimise the visual impact of signage and infrastructure, particularly adjacent to the Gippsland Lakes or Ninety Mile Beach or areas of high visibility. - Protect biodiversity, including important natural landscapes, endangered flora and fauna species and indigenous vegetation on public and private land. - Retain native vegetation on private land, Crown land, declared water stream-side reserves and roadsides. - Recognise the ecological importance of the Gippsland Lakes and coastal environment to the region. - Ensure that coastal related development responds appropriately to the landscape setting and character. - Ensure that development is subordinate to the natural, visual and environmental landscape character and significance. - Maintain locally significant views and vistas that contribute to the character of the coastal and coastal hinterland region.’ • Clause 21.14 (Environmental Risk) provides local context to Clause 13 (Environmental Risk and Amenity) and focuses on climate change, fire, flooding and salinity and land degradation. Key objectives of the Clause seek to manage climate change impacts in areas of vulnerability, protect the community from the natural hazards of fire and flooding, protect groundwater quality and achieve integrated catchment management.

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• Clause 21.15 (Natural Resource Management) places specific value in catchment management, water quality, wetlands and sustainable land management, seeking to: - ‘Achieve integrated catchment management that addresses salinity, erosion, sedimentation, water quality, biodiversity, and native vegetation retention. - Protect watercourses, wetlands, remnant native vegetation, and areas of ecological, cultural, historic, archaeological and scientific interest. - Minimise the impacts of development and human activity on the ecological values of the coast and around the Gippsland Lakes. - Ensure that land use and development in water catchments do not adversely affect the quality and quantity of water that is available for domestic and agricultural consumption. - Protect, improve and sustainably manage the Shire’s natural environment and diverse landscapes.’ • Clause 21.16 (Built Environment and Heritage) provides objectives and strategies which seek to manage the built environment and heritage within the municipality. Specifically, in relation to heritage, the Clause seeks to ensure ‘that the Shire’s heritage, including Aboriginal cultural heritage, and heritage of archaeology and scientific interest is conserved and protected for the benefit of future generations.’ • Clause 21.17 (Economic Development) supports the industrial, retail, commercial, agricultural, timber aviation and tourism sectors of the municipality through objectives and strategies that seek to: - ‘Expand and diversify the regional economy and increase employment,’ including the facilitation of ‘gas production and exploration. - Support the contribution that agriculture and rural industries make to the regional economy. - Discourage the use or development of high quality agricultural land that would be incompatible with sustainable agricultural use of the land.’ • Clause 22.02 (Rural Policy) applies to land in the Farming Zone and seeks to ‘protect agriculture and agricultural land,’ ‘ensure that the infrastructure for getting water to agricultural land is not compromised’ and ‘discourage the use and development of agricultural land that would be incompatible with its sustainable use for ongoing agricultural production.’ • Clause 22.03 (Heritage Policy) seeks to ‘provide direction as to the appropriate manner to undertake works in heritage places’ and ‘encourage a community climate of respect for, and appreciation of, Wellington Shire’s heritage, including buildings, gardens, trees, and other features of importance.’ Policy of relevance to this land use and planning impact assessment includes that ‘the responsible authority will have regard to the Aboriginal cultural resource management grid map and guidelines provided by Aboriginal Affairs Victoria’ when considering an application to develop or re-zone land and that ‘applicants proposing to develop, or re-zone, land in areas where there is a known site, or the potential for Aboriginal archaeological sites to occur, are requested to include a report from a suitably qualified archaeologist demonstrating that the impact of the proposed developments on Aboriginal cultural heritage values has been addressed.’ • Clause 22.08 (Ninety Mile Beach Policy) applies to the use, development and subdivision of land along the Ninety Mile Beach between the Honeysuckles and Paradise Beach. The policy seeks to: - ‘Provide direction as to the most appropriate manner in which to use, develop and subdivide land along the Ninety Mile Beach. - Encourage orderly development that responds appropriately to environmental values and that minimises adverse impacts on the coastal and lakes environment. - Set aside areas that are subject to inundation, that have coastal values and that have not been substantially modified, for environmental management.’

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Further, it is policy to: - ‘Discourage development that adversely impacts on the coastal and lakes environment. - Discourage development that would result in unacceptable risk to people and property from wildfire. - Maintain and enhance the conservation and recreation values of the 90 Mile Beach foreshore.’ The pipeline is outside of the identified settlement boundaries and within ‘rural conservation’ and ‘inappropriate subdivision areas subject to inundation’ areas. Policy relevant to these areas includes encouraging ‘the consolidation of lots to protect the coastal landscape and environmental values’ and discouraging development in areas identified as inappropriate subdivision areas subject to inundation. 4.3.1.10.2 Zoning and Overlay Provisions Zones and overlays are the primary method of managing land use and development within Victoria. All land, other than some Commonwealth owned land, is zoned for a particular use, such as residential, industrial or commercial. Some land will also have overlays affecting it. Overlays provide additional development controls for particular areas in relation to specific features such as heritage, bushfire or flood risk. Table 3, Table 4 and Figures 4 and 5 of Appendix A identify the relevant zones and overlays applicable to the pipeline location. Table 3 Relevant Zones Planning Zone Outcomes sought*

Industrial 1 Zone (IN1Z) Usually the main zone applied in industrial areas and allows for a range of industrial uses and appropriate non-industrial uses. Rural Conservation Seeks to protect and enhance the natural environment for its historic, Zone archaeological, scientific, landscape, faunal habitat and cultural values, • Schedule 1 (RCZ1) agriculture is allowed, provided it is consistent with the environmental • Schedule 2 (RCZ2) and landscapes values of the area. (RCZ1) Conservation Values Seeks to ensure land use or development occurs in a manner which does not adversely impact on the important environmental characteristics of an area. (RCZ2) Conservation Values Seeks to protect the environmental and significant landscape values of the Ninety Mile Beach including the retention of uncleared land as a habitat for a range of fauna so as to continue providing a natural corridor between the ocean and Lake Reeve. Farming Zone (FZ) Encourages the retention of productive agricultural land and employment and population to support rural communities. Public Use Zone Recognises the use of land for a public purpose and prescribes a • Service and Utility number of categories of public use, this is the main zone for public land (PUZ1) used for utility provision. Public Conservation The primary intention is to conserve and protect the natural and Resource Zone environment or resources while also allowing for associated (PCRZ) educational activities and resource-based uses. Road Zone – Category 1 Enables declared roads and other important roads or proposed roads (RDZ1) and Category 2 to be designated, a road declared under the Road Management Act (RDZ2) 2004 must be designated Road Zone – Category 1. Other roads may be designated Road Zone – Category 1 or Category 2. * Source: A Practitioner’s Guide to Victorian Planning Schemes, DELWP, 2020; Wellington Planning Scheme, DELWP, 2020

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Table 4 Relevant Overlays Planning Overlay Outcomes sought*

Environmental Seeks to address areas where the development of land may be Significance Overlay affected by environmental constraints such as effects from noise or • Schedule 1 (ESO1) industrial buffer areas, as well as issues related to the natural • Schedule 2 (ESO2) environment, and is applied if vegetation protection is part of a wider objective to protect the environmental significance of the area. (ESO1) Coastal and Gippsland Lakes Environs To ensure that the development of land is compatible with the environmentally sensitive coastal area, including the Gippsland Lakes, through conservation, protection and enhancement of environmental quality, natural beauty and visual amenity. (ESO2) Wetlands To protect and enhance the ecological, habitat, aesthetic, scientific, floristic, faunal, cultural, educational, and recreation values of wetlands through the control of development and implementation of international, national, State or other obligations. Significant Landscape To identify, conserve and enhance the character of significant Overlay landscapes, it is used where vegetation is identified as an important • Schedule 1 (SLO1) contributor to the character of an area. (SLO1) Ninety Mile Beach To protect locally significant views and vistas, including natural and unbuilt views along Ninety Mile Beach and ensure that development in and around existing settlements does not impact on the characteristics of the landscape, including the natural and unbuilt character along Ninety Mile Beach. Design and Intended to implement requirements based on a demonstrated need to Development Overlay control built form and the built environment. • Schedule 6 (DDO6) (DDO6) RAAF - Building Height Above 15 Metres To ensure that building height does not adversely effect the operation of the East Sale Royal Australian Air Force Base. Floodway Overlay (FO) Applies to urban and rural land identified as part of an active floodway, or to a high hazard area with high flow velocities, where impediment of flood water can cause significant changes in flood flows and adversely affect other areas. Land Subject to Applies to land in either rural or urban areas that is subject to Inundation Overlay inundation from mainstream flooding but is not part of the primary (LSIO) floodway. Bushfire Management Applies to areas identified as having a high bushfire hazard. Overlay (BMO) Restructure Overlay Applies a restructure plan to old and inappropriate subdivisions as a (RO) condition of development approval. * Source: A Practitioner’s Guide to Victorian Planning Schemes, DELWP, 2020; Wellington Planning Scheme, DELWP, 2020 4.3.1.10.3 Particular Provisions Particular provisions are planning controls that apply only to certain uses and development or to particular aspects of certain uses and development. The following particular provisions are relevant to this land use and planning impact assessment. • Clause 52.02 (Easements, Restrictions and Reserves) seeks to ensure that easements and restrictions are applied appropriately so as to facilitate development that is consistent with the provisions and directions of the planning scheme, while balancing the interests of affected parties.

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• Clause 52.17 (Native Vegetation) seeks to ensure that there is no net loss to biodiversity as a result of the removal, destruction or lopping of native vegetation, in accordance with the Guidelines for the removal, destruction or lopping of native vegetation (DELWP, 2017) (the Guidelines). • Clause 52.29 (Land Adjacent to a Road Zone, Category 1, or a Public Acquisition Overlay for a Category 1 Road) aims to manage the impacts of proposed land use and development on identified existing and planned roads. • Clause 53.10 (Uses and Activities with Potential Adverse Impacts) seeks ‘identify those types of uses and activities, which if not appropriately designed and located, may cause offence or unacceptable risk to the neighbourhood.’ The Clause manages land use impacts by outlining minimum required threshold distances for various intensive industrial and warehouse land uses from land in a residential zone, Activity Centre Zone, Capital City Zone, Commercial 1 Zone, Docklands Zone, Rural Living Zone or land used for a hospital, education centre or corrective institution, or land in a Public Acquisition Overlay to be acquired for a hospital, education centre or corrective institution. The Clause requires that an application to use land for an industry, utility installation or warehouse for a purpose listed in the table to the clause must be referred to the EPA if he threshold distance is not to be met or no threshold distance is specified.

4.3.2 Local policy 4.3.2.1 Council Plan 2017-21 (Wellington Shire Council, 2017) The Council Plan outlines strategic objectives and sets out measurable actions for the municipality. The objectives and actions align with the community’s aspirations and expectations identified in Wellington 2030 through the lenses of communities, services & infrastructure, natural environment, lifelong learning, economy and organisational. Relevant objectives and strategies include: • ‘Enhance resilience in our towns and our communities. • Wellington Shire is well planned, considering long term growth and sustainability. • Conserve and protect our natural environment through responsible and sustainable management practices. • Build resilience in our communities and landscapes to mitigate risks from a changing climate. • Encourage innovation for and in the region.’ 4.3.2.2 Wellington 2030 (Wellington Shire Council, 2017) Wellington 2030 outlines the community’s vision for the future. Through the lenses of communities, services & infrastructure, natural environment, lifelong learning and economy the following visions were identified: • ‘We strive for good health, feel safe in our communities and are prepared for natural disasters. • Wellington has a built environment that is sustainable, appropriate, accessible and responsive to the community. • Wellington’s natural environment and landscape is clean, diverse, beautiful, accessible and protected. • Wellington has a wealth of diverse industries providing employment opportunities for all. There is growth in the Wellington population and economy which is balanced with the preservation of our natural environment and connected communities.’ 4.3.2.3 Ninety Mile Beach Subdivision The Ninety Mile Beach subdivision is a 25-kilometre strip of land located between Bass Strait and Lake Reeve, which extends north of the Honeysuckles to Paradise Beach. The land was subdivided into about 11,800 small lots from 1955 to 1969 prior to the introduction of planning controls. Shortly after the subdivision the majority of the subdivided land was found to be inappropriate for development (e.g. due to flooding, lack of services etc).

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In 1978, the Shire of Rosedale and the State Government sent letters to landowners to advise that their land was either suitable for low density housing, was on unstable soil and therefore not suitable for development or was unsuitable for development. From 1979, strict restructure and tenement controls limited or prohibited development and more recent studies between 2003 and 2008 found that development should be reduced further for environmental reasons, including bushfire. The land is now categorised into the ‘settlements’ (Golden Beach/Paradise Beach and the Honeysuckles), the ‘between settlements’ (Golden Beach and the Honeysuckles including Glomar Beach), and the ‘beach dune land/coastal dune lots’ and ‘flood affected land/flood prone lots’. The pipeline is outside of the identified ‘settlements’ and within the ‘between settlements’ areas and ‘flood affected/flood prone lots’. These areas are currently within the Rural Conservation Zone and development is prohibited on all lots in this area. The Between Settlements: Ninety Mile Beach Plan Voluntary Assistance Scheme and Flood Prone Lots: Ninety Mile Beach Voluntary Transfer Scheme have been set up by Council and the State Government to provide affected landowners the opportunity to voluntarily transfer their undevelopable land to Council. In August 2018, the Victorian Ombudsman began receiving complaints from landowners of lots in the subdivision. In August 2019, the Ombudsman tabled the Investigation into Wellington Shire Council’s handling of Ninety Mile Beach subdivisions in the Victorian Parliament. The Ombudsman’s focus was on the present and recent past, questioning Council rates and whether Council was profiteering from its buyback program. The investigation made four recommendations, three directed at the Council which were supported or supported in-principle and one to DELWP which was supported. The investigation recommended that Council: • Review its rating strategy; • Actively facilitate the sale of single allotments between land owners in the Urban Nodes without itself acquiring land; and • Update its website to assist the communication of information to affected landowners. The investigation also recommended that DELWP work with Wellington Shire Council to facilitate a program of compulsory acquisition of privately-owned undevelopable land in the Ninety Mile Beach subdivisions once the council’s Voluntary Assistance Scheme and Voluntary Transfer Scheme conclude in 2021. 4.3.2.4 Wellington Shire Council Planning Scheme Amendments or Planning Permit Applications of relevance Proposed Amendment C99 proposes to revise the Scheme to update flood mapping and planning permit requirements and introduce new planning policy to provide clarity and guidance in relation to flood issues in the municipality. At the meeting of 18 June 2019, Council considered a detailed report with a request to seek Authorisation from the Minister for Planning to formally prepare and exhibit the proposed Amendment. The proposed Amendment will be considered by Council at a future meeting, the date of which is yet to be determined. At the time of drafting this report (March 2020), there are no planning permit applications of relevance within the Wellington municipality at the time of undertaking this assessment.

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4.4 Guidelines

4.4.1 State guidelines 4.4.1.1 Guidelines for the removal, destruction or lopping of native vegetation (DELWP, 2017) The Guidelines set out and describe the application of Victoria’s state-wide policy in relation to assessing and compensating for the removal of native vegetation, including the assessment of impacts from removing native vegetation on biodiversity and other values and how offsets are calculated and established to compensate for the loss in biodiversity value from the removal of native vegetation. The Guidelines are incorporated into all planning schemes in Victoria. This means that the Guidelines (as relevant and appropriate): • Must be considered by planning authorities when preparing a planning scheme amendment. • Must be considered by responsible authorities when making decisions in relation to development plans. • Must be applied when a permit is required under Clauses 52.16 or 52.17 of planning schemes. • Must be applied when developing a Native Vegetation Precinct Plan (NVPP). • May be considered in other planning decisions to meet state-wide objectives for native vegetation protection and management. 4.4.2 Other guidelines 4.4.2.1 Code of Environmental Practice – Onshore Pipelines (Australian Pipelines and Gas Association, 2017) The Code of Environmental Practice – Onshore Pipelines (the Code) was prepared by the Australian Pipelines and Gas Association in 2017 and provides industry guidance on environmental management through the planning and asset acquisition, construction, operational and decommissioning phases of a pipelines’ lifecycle. The purpose of the Code is to: • Inform the industry and regulators of environmental risks arising from pipeline activities; • Provide an outline of the environment risk management methodology; • Assist the industry to identify and meet its legal obligations around environmental management; • Provide examples of environmental risk management methods applicable to activities within the various lifecycle phases; and • Provide State and Federal regulators with an understanding of the practices and processes that the pipeline industry implements to achieve effective environmental management.

4.5 Land Use and Planning Criteria

Land use and planning in Victoria is guided by the legislative framework of the P&E Act. While the P&E Act does not apply directly to the Project as a result of application of the Pipelines Act, the Planning Minister’s views on the land use and planning impacts of a pipeline must be considered and identification of the environmental, social and safety impacts of the pipeline based on the surrounding current land uses and reasonably foreseeable future land uses must be undertaken. Therefore the land use and planning criteria for this land use and planning impact assessment comprises of the relevant clauses, objectives and strategies outlined in the PPF and Local Planning Policy as well as the outcomes sought by the zones, overlays and particular provisions of the Wellington Planning Scheme (refer to Sections 4.3.1.9 and 4.3.1.10).

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5.0 Methodology

5.1 Overview of Method

This section describes the method that was used to assess the potential impacts of the Project. Risk screening was applied to prioritise the key issues for assessment and inform measures to avoid, minimise and manage potential effects. The following sections outline the method adopted for the land use and planning impact assessment.

5.2 Study Area

For the purpose of this assessment the study area is defined as the land within a 2500 metre radius of the proposed onshore pipeline (refer Figure 1 of Appendix A). Land use and planning in Victoria is governed by the P&E Act, which applies to all land in Victoria (including land covered by water). As the jurisdiction of the P&E Act does not extend beyond the municipal boundary of the Wellington Shire into coastal waters, this land use and planning impact assessment is limited to an assessment of the onshore portions of the Project. Consent under the M&C Act will be sought for the offshore portions of the Project, prior to development. An assessment of the potential offshore impacts and proposed mitigation measures is provided in Technical Report B: Marine Environment. Given the rural context and large landholdings typical of the locality, this extent is considered appropriate for the land use assessment, noting that by its very nature land use planning boundaries are not always explicit or defined. Beyond the study area, it is anticipated that the effect of the Project on land use and planning will be negligible. For the purposes of this assessment the study area has been split into three segments which are aligned to the planning unit references within the Scheme: • Segment 1 – Coastal; • Segment 2 – Coastal East, Hinterland; and • Segment 3 – Rosedale-Stradbroke. Refer to Figures 2, 6, 7 and 8 of Appendix A for the segment locations within the study area. This report has assessed the impacts within this area.

5.3 Existing Conditions

The purpose of the existing conditions review is to set the regional and local context for the study area and identify and describe relevant planning policy, strategy, planning controls and current land uses. This provides the basis for assessment of potential impacts of the Project existing and reasonably foreseeable future land use policies and conditions. This initial review is also used to inform the impact assessment of the study area.

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5.3.1 Desktop assessment and baseline data review A detailed desktop assessment was undertaken drawing from various publicly available state and local government reports, literature and land use planning databases, as identified in Section 4.0 to understand the existing conditions within the study area. The following baseline data was reviewed as part of the desktop assessment: • The legislative framework which applies to land contained in and around the study area, including State and local government strategic planning policy to identify where the proposed works would impact on strategic plans and land use plans identified by Wellington Shire Council; • The Scheme, and particularly: - The PPF, Local Planning Policy; and - Zones, overlays and relevant particular provisions. • Current strategic planning work and future Planning Scheme Amendments being considered by the State and Wellington Shire Council; • Publicly accessible zoning, overlay and heritage mapping; • Publicly accessible aerial imagery; and • Additional information including: - Landholder details; and - Affected land parcel identification and information. 5.3.2 Site visit and consultation The following activities were undertaken: • Site visits on 30 January 2020 to observe and identify existing and proposed land uses and development within the study area. The site visit was conducted on foot and by car; and • Consultation with Wellington Shire Council on 31 January 2020. Further information on the consultation with Council is provided in Section 5.8.

5.4 Risk Screening

The Ministerial guidelines for assessment of the environmental effects under the EE Act incorporate principles of best practice which include a risk-based approach to ensure that the required assessment, including the extent of investigations, is proportionate to the risk of adverse effects. The identification of initial risks was undertaken to assess potential risks to the environment arising from the project. Risk levels were categorised as very low, low, medium, high or very high with the initial risk rating assuming standard controls were in place, such as legislative requirements. The results of the initial risk assessment were used as a screening tool to prioritise the key issues for assessment and inform measures to avoid, minimise and manage potential effects. The risk assessment completed for this study is provided as Appendix B.

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5.5 Impact Assessment The assessment of land use and planning impacts during construction, operation and decommissioning of the Project had due regard to the requirements of the assessment articulated in the EES scoping requirements, included assessing the implications for: • Strategic land use planning for Victoria and the Gippsland region; and • Existing and reasonably foreseeable land uses occupying land to be traversed by, or adjacent to the Project. This included consideration of: - Existing and planned infrastructure and easements; - Existing planning permissions; - Planning permit applications that have been publicly advertised; - Seriously entertained planning scheme amendments; and - Opportunities to protect other existing or reasonably foreseeable uses, or the Project itself. The assessment has also included: • Review of the conclusions of other relevant EES specialist studies; • Review and consideration of relevant existing and seriously entertained policies and strategies applicable to land affected by the Project; and • Anticipation/speculation regarding potential land use changes well into the future.

5.6 Rationale The land use and planning assessment has been undertaken in accordance with the scoping requirements and is focused on identifying potential impacts of the Project upon the study area. As described in Section 5.2 above, the study area methodology was based on land uses within a 2500 metre buffer of the proposed pipeline. Given the rural context and large landholdings typical of the locality, this extent is considered appropriate for the land use assessment, noting that by its very nature land use planning boundaries are not always explicit or defined. Beyond the study area, it is anticipated that the effect of the Project on land use and planning will be negligible. Three segments of the pipeline alignment which are characterised in the Wellington Planning Scheme have assisted in focussing discussion of impacts to distinct geographic locations.

5.7 Limitations and Assumptions

This land use and planning assessment involved a combination of desktop investigation, local government stakeholder liaison and a site visit. Assumptions and limitations relating to this land use impact assessment are provided in Table 5.

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Table 5 Assumptions and Limitations

Assumption Description Reasonably foreseeable The life of the Project could extend beyond its anticipated 40 years. land uses Construction The Project construction will be staged and sequential, limiting the duration of local construction works and land use impacts across individual properties. Acquisition and Minimisation of land acquisition from third parties for pipeline easements construction. Land affected by easements will only be restricted by way of limiting the construction of structures and significant vegetation (i.e. trees or vegetation with deeper root systems) over the easement and rights of access for inspection and maintenance. Information Information is current at the date of issuing this report. Assessments and This land use and planning impact assessment responds to the approvals evaluation objectives and scoping requirements as set out by the Minister for Planning and where applicable to the land use and planning assessment. It does not provide a full assessment of the Project against all relevant legislation. Associated approvals under the various applicable state and local legislation and policy will be addressed where appropriate by other parts of the Project EES.

5.8 Stakeholder Engagement

Stakeholders and the community were consulted to support the preparation of the Project EES and to inform the development of the Project and understanding of its potential impacts. On 29 February 2020 a community consultation session was held in Golden Beach providing a project update. A further community consultation session was held on 20 June 2020 to summarise the environmental assessments undertaken as part of the EES and provide a general Project update although no issues were raised regarding the potential for land use and planning impacts during construction or operation of the Project. Fact sheets were also circulated and published in the local media in May 2020 providing updates on the EES impact assessment undertaken for noise and vibration and inviting comments as part of the EES process. In accordance with the scoping requirements, a Technical Reference Group (TRG) was convened and chaired by DELWP on behalf of the Minister for Planning. The TRG has provided input throughout the EES process. EES Chapter 24 Community and stakeholder engagement provides a summary of the Project’s key engagement activities Table 6 lists specific engagement activities that have occurred in relation to land use and planning, with more general engagement activities occurring at all stages of the Project. Table 6 Stakeholder engagement undertaken for land use and planning Activity When Matters discussed Outcome

Wellington Shire 31 January • Project details and route • Clearer understanding of Council Planning 2020 • Existing land use land use changes and Meeting context and emerging Council led strategic land use change planning as pertains to the • Strategic planning Project and Impact Assessment Golden Beach 24 March • Land Use and Planning • Technical Reference Group Gas Project EES 2020 Impact Assessment provided comments on the Technical draft Land Use and Reference Group Planning Impact Meeting #2 Assessment which have

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Activity When Matters discussed Outcome

been considered and incorporated into this technical report

5.9 Community Feedback

In addition to consultation undertaken with specific stakeholders, consultation has been ongoing with the community throughout the design development and the EES process. Feedback relevant to the land use and planning assessment is summarised in Table 7, along with where and how we have addressed those topics in this report. Table 7 Community consultation feedback addressed by land use and planning

Issues raised during community consultation How it’s been addressed Community meeting on 29 February 2020: Section 8.0 (Impact Assessment) • Local jobs • Interest in GB Energy and gas • Construction noise • Traffic • Impact on amenity

5.10 Linkage to other Technical Reports

The land use impact assessment should be read in conjunction with other relevant technical reports forming part of the EES. Other impacts, particularly relating to amenity, noise, air quality, vibration and visual impact, have been considered in detail in other technical reports. Table 8 outlines the land use and planning interdependencies with other technical reports. Where relevant to land use, other technical reports are considered and referenced. Table 8 Land use and planning interdependencies

Technical report Land use and planning interdependency Technical Report B: Marine Whilst the jurisdiction of the P&E Act does not extend beyond Environment the municipal boundary of Wellington Shire into coastal waters, (and the land use and planning impact assessment is limited to an assessment of the onshore portions of the Project), the Marine Environment Impact Assessment is still broadly considered for potential effects on onshore land use and planning. The Report identifies the key assets, values or uses potentially affected by the Project, and the associated impacts and presents control measures to ensure the environmental compliance of the Project activities and to protect the natural environment of the Project area and its surrounds. Of relevance, the assessment identifies that several Commonwealth and Victorian commercial fisheries are licensed to operate in and around the project area and the environment that may be subject to impacts as a result of the Project. A risk to these fisheries includes displacement or interference that may occur as a result of the physical presence of the offshore drilling unit. Measures are proposed to mitigate this risk (refer to Table 12).

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Technical report Land use and planning interdependency Technical Report E: Landscape The Report identifies the key assets, values or uses potentially and Visual affected by the Project, and the associated impacts, providing mitigation measures to manage the impacts. The LVIA identifies that three landscape character areas exist within the study area and that six sensitive receptors would be impacted by the Project, but due to the temporary nature of the impacts (as being a result of construction activities), no specific mitigation measures are proposed for the sensitive receptors identified. Technical Report F: Noise and The Report provides a noise and vibration impact assessment Vibration for the EES and proposes mitigation measures for potential impacts (refer to Table 12). Sensitive receptors to the construction and operation of the Project are identified and amenity impacts as a result of construction noise and vibration, operational noise, vibration and cumulative operational noise and decommissioning noise are identified for the Project. Technical Report I: Traffic The Report provides a detailed understanding of the transport impacts of the Project in order to inform the development of management measures for construction and operation. Traffic impacts as a result of construction and operation will be addressed by the mitigation measures proposed in the report (refer to Table 12). Technical Report M: Social The Report identifies and assesses social impacts likely to be Impact associated with the physical and social changes associated with the Project, concluding that the Project’s potential to generate negative social impacts is limited. Relevant mitigation measures proposed by the assessment are identified in Table 12. Technical Report L: Air Quality The Report provides an assessment of air quality impacts of the Project and identifies that amenity impacts as a result of construction and decommissioning and operational air quality will be addressed by the mitigation measures proposed in the report (refer to Table 12).

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6.0 Existing Conditions The existing conditions of the assets, values and uses being considered throughout this assessment are described in the following sections.

6.1 Regional Context This section describes the existing land use within the study area and situates this description within a broader regional context. 6.1.1 Location The Project is located wholly within the municipality of Wellington. The Project is located within the localities of Golden Beach, Dutson Downs, Dutson and Longford. The Project stretches from the Bass Strait approximately two kilometres south of residential properties in Golden Beach through coastal, agricultural, plantation and farming land to the suburb of Longford. The Wellington municipality has an area of 10,924 square kilometres and is located approximately 200 kilometres east of Melbourne. The municipality is located on the east coast of Victoria nestled between the municipalities of East and South Gippsland, bordering the municipalities of Alpine, Wangaratta, Mansfield, Baw Baw and Latrobe and including the regional centre of Sale, towns of Maffra, Yarram and Heyfield and small towns of Stratford and Rosedale. 6.1.2 Geographical regions and natural assets The geographical regions of the municipality (refer to Section 4.3.1.10.1 - Clause 21.01-2) include the following: • Northern Ranges: heavily vegetated steep terrain and shallow valleys including the southern face of the Victorian Alps and the Alpine National Park. • Macalister: flat landscape of the Macalister Irrigation District and surrounding dryland agricultural areas. • Glenmaggie-Briagolong: interface between the Northern Ranges and Macalister regions. • Rosedale-Stradbroke: lowland hills and gently undulating plains including Holey Plains Park and forestry plantations. • Eastern Gippsland Plains: a flat to gently undulating landscape and a regular but widely spaced drainage pattern that flows toward Lake Wellington. • Strzelecki: steep to hilly landscape associated with the Strzelecki Ranges which includes the Tarra-Bulga National Park. • Coastal West, Hinterland: mainly a flat coastal plain, inland of the low coastal sand dunes of Ninety Mile Beach and abutting the base of the Strzelecki Ranges. • Coastal East, Hinterland: typically flat and low lying with some raised dunes in the western end. • Coastal: the narrow primary dune system and associated lakes and lagoons at Ninety Mile Beach. Natural assets of the municipality include approximately 150 kilometres of Bass Strait coastline, the southern face of the Victorian Alps, Lake Wellington, Lake Coleman, Latrobe River, Avon River, Macalister River, Thomson River, Merriman Creek and a range of National and State Parks including the Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park and Holey Plains State Park. The region includes the Gippsland Lakes Ramsar designated wetlands which are defined as coastal saltmarsh as well as the Lake Wellington Wetlands which are designated as important wetlands and are defined as coastal saltmarsh, no emergent vegetation and sedge/grass/forb. Other wetlands of various definitions are dispersed throughout the region. The Merrimans Creek (Seaspray) Designated Water Supply Catchment and the Macalister Irrigation District are also located within the region. In addition, various locations are floodways, generally associated with the lakes, rivers and creeks throughout the region.

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Much of the region remains public land for various uses including Crown Land Tenure under lease or general licences, Crown Land Reserves under direct or delegated management and Commonwealth Areas for the RAAF East Sale Base. 6.1.3 Transport and access The Princes Highway and South Gippsland Highway are the two major arterial roads that service the region from the west, north and south. Other arterial roads within the municipality and proximity to the Project include Longford-Loch Sport Road, to the north and Seaspray and Garretts Road, to the west. The Bairnsdale to Melbourne regional freight and passenger trainline runs through the region with stations in Rosedale, Sale and Stratford. The trainline runs as both train and coach services seven days a week with thirteen return services a day on weekdays, eight return services a day on Saturdays and seven return services a day on Sundays. There is also a dedicated Traralgon to Sale coach service that operates on weekday and Saturday mornings. The region is also serviced by the West Sale Airport and the Longford Heliport. The Longford heliport serves as the base for ExxonMobil’s large helicopter fleet that services the 23 offshore oil and gas platforms and installations in Bass Strait. 6.1.4 Infrastructure The region includes the 66 kV Bairnsdale to Morwell Terminal transmission line and the 400 kilovolt (kV) Basslink-Loy Yang to Basslink-George Town transmission line. The Basslink electricity interconnector is a high-voltage direct current cable linking the electricity grids of Victoria and Tasmania enabling Tasmania to supply some of its peak load capacity to mainland Australia and mainland Australia to supply some of its base load capacity to Tasmania. A number of gas and oil fields are located off the Gippsland Coast in the Bass Strait. There are currently 23 offshore platforms and installations in Bass Strait which feed a network of 600km of underwater pipelines. As a result of the wealth of gas and oil in the Bass Strait the region is also home to the Longford Plants, which consists of three gas plants, one gas conditioning plant and one crude oil substation plant. The Longford Plants are the onshore receiving point for oil and gas output from the Bass Strait. The plants that make up the Longford Plants are situated on 169 hectares of land. Two pipelines run 187 kilometres from Longford to Long Island Point. They carry the crude oil for storage and distribution and the gas liquids for further processing and distribution. Both pipelines are managed and maintained by Longford based personnel.

6.2 Study Area and Pipeline Corridor 6.2.1 Land uses and typologies Based on the assessment of policies, strategies, planning controls and the site visit, land use typologies that are found across the length of the study area were developed to assist in the determination of potential impacts. Within each typology there are notable individual land uses and precincts that are considered in the impact assessment in Section 8.0. The land use typologies identified within the study area generally comprise: • Conservation; • Mixed farming, grazing, services and utilities; • Rural residential; • Industrial; and • Road. Figure 9 of Appendix A provides an overview of the land uses in the study area. Table 9 provides further context to these typologies.

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Table 9 Land use typologies throughout the study area

Typology Context development of typology Conservation Areas of high policy protection reflecting a particular conservation or ecological significance. These spaces have varying degrees of public access and varying policy designations. Mixed Farming, A range of land-dependant production-based land uses as outlined below: Grazing, Services • Mixed Farming and Grazing: farming of grains or other low-intensity and Utilities products and livestock management requiring access to land for feeding. • Intensive Agriculture: high-input farming generally associated with food- based products (excluding grains) and horticulture. • Gippsland Water Used Land: land used for various habitat conservation, farming, research and service and utility purposes by Gippsland Water. • Service and Utilities: various established or planned service and utility activities including sewerage treatment and waste disposal. Rural Residential Rural residential is distinguished by large lot sizes exceeding a typical subdivision pattern, comprising a single detached dwelling supported by landscaped areas or ancillary hobby farming activities. This typology is also characterised by its colocation with or proximity to agricultural land-uses outside of urban growth areas and established urban centres or townships. Industrial Comprises light industrial/manufacturing uses and land for gas treatment, storage and transmission, associated with the Longford Plants. Road Established or planned road corridors.

6.2.2 Land use segments For the purposes of this assessment, the study area and pipeline corridor have been split into three segments: • Segment 1 – Coastal; • Segment 2 – Coastal East, Hinterland; and • Segment 3 – Rosedale-Stradbroke. The segments have been nominated in general alignment with the geographical areas or ‘Planning Units’ that divide the municipality as nominated by the Scheme. The extent and composition of the study area and pipeline corridor of each segment is described in subsequent sub-sections. Figures 10, 11 and 12 of Appendix A provide the land uses in each segment of the study area. Appendix C provides site photos from each of the Segments. 6.2.2.1 Segment 1 – Coastal Segment 1 is identified in Figure 6 of Appendix A. Existing land use within Segment 1 is described below. Figures 13 and 14 of Appendix A identify the zones and overlays relevant to Segment 1. Offshore components of the Project are from the Golden Beach Gas Field to the shore crossing facility at Ninety Mile Beach. Offshore components of the Project are not subject to this Land Use and Planning Impact Assessment. The shore crossing facility will be a small fenced compound (approximately 60 metres by 40 metres) located at one of two locations between Shoreline Drive and Lake Reeve (Lakeside and Shoreline) (refer to Figure 5 for the shore crossing facility location).

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Figure 5 Shore crossing facility location From the shore crossing facility, the onshore buried raw gas pipeline travels in a westerly direction using the shortest practicable route and taking into consideration relevant land, environmental and existing infrastructure constraints from the shore crossing facility to the gas compressor station. Within Segment 1, the pipeline corridor heads north through coastal vegetation on an old small lot subdivision (as detailed in 4.3.2.2), across Flamingo Drive to a flat adjacent to Lake Reeve. Lake Reeve is a shallow inundated area with two arms separated by an island at the pipeline crossing point. The pipeline corridor runs about 20 metres east of and parallel to the Dutson Downs ocean outfall line across the southern Lake Reeve area for about 250 metres to the island landfall. Part of the corridor would be on an old causeway built for the sewerage line outfall construction. This crossing is often dry during summer periods, however can become inundated during winter months. Pipeline construction will be undertaken when Lake Reeve is not inundated. The corridor then crosses a low island about 20 metres east of and parallel to the Dutson Downs ocean outfall line which is lightly vegetated. The pipeline corridor generally follows the existing road reserve which consists of an unmade dirt and gravel track. After crossing the low island, the pipeline corridor then crosses the northern portion of Lake Reeve, for a distance of approximately 200 metres. Conditions are similar to the southern crossing. On leaving Lake Reeve, the pipeline corridor rises through sparse bushland. It passes from the eastern side of the sewerage outfall line and adjacent track to the western side and then crosses beyond the fence line that defines the land vested in Gippsland Water forming part of the Dutson Downs farming area.

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6.2.2.1.1 Conservation Segment 1 includes Ninety Mile Beach and Lake Reeve which are part of the Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park. This land is within the PCRZ. There are a number of designated camping grounds between Shoreline Drive and Ninety Mile Beach within Golden Beach. Between Ninety Mile Beach and Lake Reeve the land was part of the former Ninety Mile Beach subdivision and is now zoned RCZ1, RCZ2, LDRZ, PUZ1 or C1Z. Some of the land in Segment 1 is developed for residential use and is zoned RCZ2 or LDRZ, however development is minimal in proximity to the pipeline corridor and intensifies slightly north, where approaching Golden Beach. Potential sensitive receptors within Segment 1 include dwellings at: • 10 and 11 Anglers Way, Golden Beach VIC 3851; • 12, 20, 23 and 24 Avalon Way, Golden Beach VIC 3851; • 1-3, 6-8, 7, 17, 22-24 and 26 Banksia Avenue, Golden Beach VIC 3851; • 6, 7 and 14 Calypso Court, Golden Beach VIC 3851; • 10 Clipper Court, Golden Beach VIC 3851; • 1-3, 4-10, 12-14 and 30 Driftwood Avenue, Golden Beach VIC 3851; • 18, 20, 20a, 44 and 57 Edgewater Drive, Golden Beach VIC 3851; • 43, 189, 231 and 309 Flamingo Drive, Golden Beach VIC 3851; • 11, 13, 15, 19, 24, 27-31, 33, 39, 59, 67, 72, 84, 88, 92 and 104 Golden Beach Drive, Golden Beach VIC 3851; • 18 Marine Drive, Golden Beach VIC 3851; • 15 Nautilus Avenue, Golden Beach VIC 3851; • 11 Neptune Court, Golden Beach VIC 3851; • 5, 6 Pampas Way, Golden Beach VIC 3851; • 7-13, 15-21 and 23-27 Rollaway Rise, Golden Beach VIC 3851; • 15-21 Sandridge Avenue, Golden Beach VIC 3851; • 11-17 Sea Foam Avenue, Golden Beach VIC 3851; • 17-23, 20-24 and 25-29 Sea Glint Avenue, Golden Beach VIC 3851; • 306, 320, 328, 332, 336, 352, 360, 364, 372 and 492 Shoreline Drive, Golden Beach VIC 3851; • 2-6, 8-14 and 17-23 Shoreward Way, Golden Beach VIC 3851; • 2-6 and 12 Songbird Avenue, Golden Beach VIC 3851; • 51-57, 59, 67-69, 93, 100, 102, 104, 116-122, 124-126 and 128-132 Ti-Tree Drive, Golden Beach VIC 3851; • 2 Twilight Way, Golden Beach VIC 3851; • 16-24 Village Way, Golden Beach VIC 3851; and • 7 and 12 Waikiki Way, Golden Beach VIC 3851. There is no development within the PUZ1 and C1Z zoned land within Segment 1. Refer to Figure 15 of Appendix A for a map identifying the potential sensitive receptors within Segment 1.

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6.2.2.1.2 Roads There are numerous unsealed roads throughout Segment 1 associated with the former Ninety Mile Beach subdivision. Shoreline Drive, a sealed two-way carriageway with unsealed shoulders, is the major road link in the Segment connecting Golden Beach to the Honeysuckles. Shoreline Drive is identified as an RDZ2. Where possible, the pipeline corridor follows existing road reservations in order to minimise impact on vegetated areas and make use of already disturbed land as far as practicable. 6.2.2.1.3 Other considerations Segment 1 is subject to a number of environmental impacts including flooding, inundation and bushfire as nominated by the LSIO, FO and BMO. In addition, there are areas of landscape and environmental significance, which are subject to SLO1 and ESO1. The RO applies to areas of Golden Beach which were previously subject to inappropriate subdivision. 6.2.2.2 Segment 2 – Coastal East, Hinterland Segment 2 is identified in Figure 7 of Appendix A. Existing land use within Segment 2 is described below. Figures 16 and 17 of Appendix A identify the zones and overlays relevant to Segment 2. From Segment 1, the onshore buried raw gas pipeline travels in a westerly direction from the shore crossing facility to the gas compressor station, using the shortest practicable route and taking into consideration relevant land, environmental and existing infrastructure constraints. Within Segment 2, the pipeline traverses west along the southern boundary of the Dutson Downs farming area, then moving north west within an open paddock adjacent to the site’s boundary fence (defining the farming area) and adjacent scrubland for about 2.9 kilometres, before skirting the sewerage treatment lakes and their inlet channel. This is a narrow section of the pipeline corridor, bounded by a fence line and existing scrubby native vegetation to the west and a formalised inlet channel to the east. The pipeline passes under the unmade Carrs Creek Road and an Esso saline water pipeline before entering a pine plantation. The corridor is just north of the established plantation trees, within a fire clearance zone. The pipeline then enters a cleared paddock interspersed with mature trees. The pipeline then crosses a second Esso saline water line, before entering another plantation. The pipeline crosses unmade Signboard Lane and continues west to an open paddock which has been identified as the gas compressor station location, at the commencement of Segment 3. 6.2.2.2.1 Mixed farming, grazing, services and utilities The land within Segment 2 is zoned PUZ1 and is made up of a range of public and private tenure land. The public land is predominantly land vested in Gippsland Water. The agribusiness division of Gippsland Water includes the use of land for a variety of uses, including: • Recycled water irrigation of pastures, fodder crops, winter and summer crops; • Cattle breeding and finishing; • Dryland cropping; and • Softwood forestry. Specific initiatives as part of the agribusiness of Gippsland Water include a Soil and Organic Recycling Facility, native vegetation protection and an agribusiness paddock. The private land in the area is made up of mixed farming and grazing, native vegetation and softwood plantation. 6.2.2.2.2 Other considerations There are numerous unsealed roads throughout the Segment. Segment 2 is also subject to inundation to the east, as nominated by the LSO and FO, contains patches of bushfire prone land, as nominated by the BMO, and some locations of environmental significance, identified by ESO2.

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6.2.2.3 Segment 3 – Rosedale-Stradbroke Segment 3 is identified in Figure 8 of Appendix A. Existing land use within Segment 3 is described below. Figures 18 and 19 of Appendix A identify the zones and overlays relevant to Segment 3. At the commencement of Segment 3, the onshore buried raw gas pipeline enters an open paddock which is the location of the gas compressor station, within the locality of Dutson, to the south of Longford-Loch Sport Road. The gas compressor station will compress the gas and collect water entrained in the gas. The gas compressor station is on private land that is relatively flat and largely cleared of vegetation. The site is accessed off Sandy Camp Road and is bordered by native vegetation to the south and the east. The nearest occupied dwelling is approximately 2.2 kilometres away. The location is approximately 10.5 kilometres from the shore crossing facility along the pipeline route and approximately 7 kilometres from the proposed metering facility. On leaving the compressor station location, the sales gas pipeline, now referenced as a sales gas pipeline, takes the shortest practicable route through Segment 3 to the Jemena Longford Compressor Station and the VTS. The proposed onshore buried sales gas pipeline will travel generally in a westerly direction, approximately 8.3 kilometres from the compressor station site. In Segment 3 the pipeline corridor follows the property boundary along an existing fence line to the intersection of Sandy Camp Road and Flints Road which it crosses diagonally from north-east to south-west. From this point, the pipeline corridor runs along the southern side of Flints Road through open paddocks. There are three dams adjacent to the corridor located approximately 20 metres from the paddock fence line which may require a minor deviation and deeper burial. From this location, the pipeline will cross under five Esso oil and gas pipelines before continuing in a westerly direction adjacent to Flints Road. The pipeline then crosses Johnsons Road in to the Grand Ridge Plantation property. The pipe runs just inside the southern boundary of the property. There is an existing track along the boundary approximately 4m in width. The pipeline corridor then runs through existing pine plantation areas before running through open paddock areas used for agriculture and grazing. A fenced off metering facility (approximately 80 by 50 metres) will be located adjacent to Jemena’s Longford Compressor station, prior to connections to the east coast gas market at Jemena’s Longford Compressor Station and/or APA’s VTS. From the metering facility, the final 670m of the pipeline corridor runs through a small section of native scrub located within the APA property adjacent to the existing Jemena EGP Compressor Station. 6.2.2.3.1 Mixed farming, grazing, services and utilities The predominant land use of Segment 3 is farming, located in the FZ. Farming practices in the Segment include sheep and beef grazing, irrigated vegetable production, native forests and forestry plantations. There are also a number of rural residential properties scattered throughout the Segment. Potential sensitive receptors within Segment 3 are dwellings on rural residential lots (some with associated farms and farm related infrastructure) at: • 414 Sandy Camp Road, Dutson VIC 3851; • 132 and 321 Johnsons Road, Dutson VIC 3851; • 46, 50, 57 and 72 Clancys Road, Longford VIC 3851; • Flints Road, Longford VIC 3851; • 309 Garretts Road, Longford VIC 3851; • 38 Gooch Road, Longford VIC 3851; • 207, 289 and 337 Johnsons Road, Longford VIC 3851; • 704 Longford-Loch Sport Road, Longford VIC 3851; • 315 and 277 Merricks Road, Longford VIC 3851;

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• 307 and 590 Murtnaugh Road, Longford VIC 3851; and • 78, 90, 114 and 190 Vale Road, Longford VIC 3851. Refer to Figure 20 of Appendix A for a map identifying the potential sensitive receptors to the project. 6.2.2.3.2 Industrial A portion of Segment 3 is associated with the Longford Plants and Longford Heliport, which is zoned IN1Z. As identified in Section 6.1.4, the Longford Plants include three gas plants, one gas conditioning plant and one crude oil substation plant, and a heliport that are the onshore receiving point for oil and gas output from the Bass Strait. As identified in Section 6.1.3, the Longford Heliport is the base for ExxonMobil’s large helicopter fleet that services the 23 offshore oil and gas platforms and installations in Bass Strait. 6.2.2.3.3 Roads There are numerous unsealed roads throughout Segment 3 associated with the farming use of the land and the Longford Plants. Garretts Road, a sealed two-way carriageway with unsealed shoulders, is a RDZ1 road that connects the Longford Plants to Seaspray Road. Seaspray Road is an arterial road west of the Segment that connects the Longford Plants to Longford, Sale and the broader region. 6.2.2.3.4 Commonwealth Land Land at 168 Murtnaugh Road, Dutson is Commonwealth Land (zoned CA) and is used as an Air Traffic Control Tower associated with the East Sale RAAF Base. 6.2.2.3.5 Other Small portions of land in Segment 3 are associated with landfill (zoned PUZ6 - Local Government) and land reservation (PCRZ - associated with Boundary Creek). The Segment also has patches of bushfire prone land, as nominated by the BMO, as well as some areas of environmental significance, as identified by ESO2 and ESO7. Whilst areas associated with landfill (PUZ6) and environmental significance (ESO7) are located within the study area, they are not directly intersected by the Project, as shown in Figure 4 and Figure 5 of Appendix A. 6.2.3 Likely future development patterns Consultation with Wellington Shire Council planning department has indicated that at that time of writing (March 2020) there are no significant proposals which would impact the existing land use patterns in the study area.

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7.0 Risk Assessment A risk assessment of project activities was performed as a screening tool to prioritise the focus of the impact assessments and development of mitigation measures. The risk pathways link project activities (causes) to their potential effects on the environmental assets, values or uses that are considered in more detail in the impact assessment. Risks were assessed for the construction, operation and decommissioning phases of the Project. The identified risks and associated residual risk ratings are listed in Table 10. The likelihood and consequence ratings determined during the risk assessment process and the adopted mitigation measures are presented in Appendix B (refer Table B - 5). Table 10 Land use and planning risks Risk No. – Potential threat and effect of the environment Risk Construction rating

LU1 Land use Low The proposed construction activities result in temporary land use changes, access or amenity impacts that are inconsistent with existing land uses and policy (in the local or regional setting), or reasonably foreseeable future land use directions for public and private land. Risk No. – Potential threat and effect of the environment Risk Operation rating

LU2 Land use (pipeline) Low The proposed location and siting of the pipeline results in land use changes, access or ongoing amenity impacts that are inconsistent with existing land uses and policy (in the local or regional setting), or reasonably foreseeable future land use directions for public and private land. LU3 Land use (gas compressor station) Low The proposed location and siting of the gas compressor station results in land use changes, access or ongoing amenity impacts that are inconsistent with existing land uses and policy (in the local or regional setting), or reasonably foreseeable future land use directions for public and private land. Potential threat and effect of the environment Risk Risk No. – Decommissioning rating

LU4 Land use Low The proposed decommissioning activities result in land use changes, access or amenity impacts that are inconsistent with existing land uses and policy (in the local or regional setting), or reasonably foreseeable future land use directions for public and private land.

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8.0 Impact Assessment This impact assessment follows a systems approach to identifying, assessing and managing potential environmental effects to ensure that relevant effects and responses are considered for land use and planning impacts. To ensure that the required assessment, including extent of investigations, is proportionate to the risk of adverse effects, a risk assessment of project activities was undertaken in accordance with the methodology described in Appendix B which has been used as a screening tool to prioritise the focus of the impact assessment.

8.1 Strategic Impact Assessment

This section assesses the Project against relevant State and Local Planning Policies and provides an assessment of the Project’s likely regional land use impacts. 8.1.1 State and local planning policies The Project supports the direction of the following policy documents: • Renewable Energy Action Plan – enabling energy storage that integrates with renewable generation and assisting with the aim of delivering on ambitious and achievable renewable energy targets. • Gippsland Regional Growth Plan – by strengthening the energy sector subject to best practice environmental standards, the Project supports the objectives of this Plan. • Victoria’s Regional Statement – through supporting the identified strength of the Gippsland region in its delivery of natural resources, the Project accords with the intent of this Statement. The Project is consistent with and supported by existing and future land use identified in the Wellington Planning Scheme as follows: • Clause 21.02 (Key Issues and Influences) – The scheme identified the importance of Wellington’s coastal and riverine environments which must be protected from inappropriate development, particularly visible changes. By locating infrastructure underground where possible, the Project has had due regard to this policy direction. • Clause 21.13 (Environment and Landscape Values) – The Project responds to this policy by locating key infrastructure away from visually prominent and ecologically significant locations here possible and utilising appropriate mitigation measures such as construction methods where these locations (such as the shore crossing to Ninety Mile Beach) cannot be avoided. • Clause 21.17 (Economic Development) – The scheme seeks to expand and diversify the regional economy and increase employment during construction and operation through the facilitation of gas production and exploration, which will be supported by the Project. 8.1.2 Geographical regions and natural assets The Project responds to the existing geographical regions and natural assets by avoiding areas of high value where possible and utilising appropriate mitigation measures such as construction methods where these locations (such as the shore crossing to Ninety Mile Beach) cannot be avoided. 8.1.3 Transport and access The Project will rely largely upon existing transport corridors for construction and operation. The Project has suitable transport connections and does not directly impact any existing major transport corridors. 8.1.4 Infrastructure The existing infrastructure in this region has developed as a result of the natural features and decades of planning policy and subsequent action that has supported the establishment of the natural resource use in this region. The existing infrastructure and land use patterns play an important role in the economy at the local, regional and state level.

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The importance of the natural oil and gas resources in Bass Strait are reflected in the historic and current land uses in the region. The existing and future requirements of these long-established and state significant operations have been a fundamental ingredient in the land use dynamic of this region for some time, particularly from an economic, social and environmental perspective. 8.1.5 Overall response to strategic land use considerations The Project is considered to be consistent with relevant policy and land uses and successfully responds to technical considerations and potential impacts on land, affecting: • Crown land; • Road reserves and existing infrastructure alignments • Private land, seeking to follow property boundaries and avoid sensitive or important land uses (dwellings, intensive agriculture) • Where unavoidable, parts of public reserves such as the Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park and in particular Lake Reeve. The challenge of balancing past and current land uses with the environment has influenced the region’s policy and development history. The Project seeks to take advantage of regional and locational opportunities particularly with regard to existing infrastructure and land uses and ensures that siting and construction techniques reflect the existing conditions. The Project has sought to ensure that existing and potential future development pressures were appropriately avoided or reduced and addressed throughout the planning and design stages, minimising impacts on existing and potential future uses. More specifically, the pipeline corridor follows existing fence lines or cleared road reserves where possible, thereby minimising potential environmental impacts through the use of an already highly disturbed landside footprint. Given existing facilities, land uses, policy and planning controls, the proposed location of the pipeline in this region is logical, particularly given the siting of existing pipeline infrastructure in the region. Specific siting criteria and construction techniques have been selected to reflect the sensitivity of land uses along the pipeline corridor. The process of selecting the preferred pipeline corridor and the options considered is further described in Chapter 3 - Project development. Overall, the pipeline will assist in supporting continued sustainable development consistent with the strategic intent for Victoria and will not unduly impact upon the other land use imperatives for the broader region.

8.2 Study Area and Pipeline Corridor – Construction Impacts

This section describes the potential impacts to land use and planning assets, values and uses as a result of the construction of the Project. Land use impacts during construction are generally temporary in duration and limited in nature. The impacts may also be associated with activities that are inconsistent with established land use and might include long-term impacts from the start of construction, such as acquisition. Impacts may also be associated with the temporary occupation of roads or land for the purpose of and during construction (refer to Golden Beach Gas Project Technical Report I: Traffic). Potential land use impacts during construction are identified in Section 8.2.1 and 8.2.2 below. For the following assessment, the construction impacts are considered in the context of each land use segment described at Section 6.2.2 and shown in Figure 2 of Appendix A. 8.2.1 Land use impacts During construction, the Project proposes to place a 30 metre wide right of way (the pipeline corridor) around the pipeline alignment and use additional land for temporary facilities that will support construction. The width of the right of way may be reduced to 20 metres in areas designated as sensitive environments to minimise disturbance to these features. This will result in a number of temporary changes to existing land uses, including: • Temporary occupation of land (30 metre wide right of way and additional work areas);

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• Access track (upgrade of existing and creation); and • Water supply tanks and temporary dams. The pipeline corridor traverses 109 parcels. Land ownership of the parcels is varied with a number of private owners as well as a number of parcels registered to APA, BHP, Central Gippsland Region Water Corporation (refer Section 6.1.1), Parks Victoria and Wellington Shire Council (amongst others). The construction of the Project would result in changes to existing land uses, which is temporarily inconsistent with the existing land use. This impact is considered minor and is discussed below. 8.2.1.1 Segment 1 – Coastal Segment 1 is primarily used for conservation and road land uses. The primary purpose of the land in Segment 1 that is traversed by the proposed pipeline is to protect, enhance and conserve the natural environment and resources while also allowing for associated educational activities and resource- based land uses, in accordance with the PCRZ and the RCZ. A 30 metre right of way will be applied from the coastline to the shore crossing facility to facilitate the pipe pulling activities that will land the pipeline at the shore crossing facility. At present, two options for the shoreline crossing have been identified and considered as part of this assessment. The shore crossing facility is a small fenced compound approximately 60 metres by 40 metres containing facilities for control room, chemical injection, liquid collection and storage. The facility will predominantly be fabricated offsite and will be constructed at one of two locations between Shoreline Drive and Lake Reeve (Lakeside and Shoreline) with the aim to minimise the disturbance footprint of the Project. A laydown is proposed on the subdivision area between Lake Reeve to facilitate pipe stringing and fabrication. The construction of the onshore pipeline through this segment will be via the conventional trenching and burial method when Lake Reeve is not inundated. A portion of the pipeline corridor in this segment traverses land within the PUZ which is within the Dutson Downs land vested in Gippsland Water. 8.2.1.2 Segment 2 – Coastal East, Hinterland Segment 2 is primarily used for mixed farming, grazing, services and utilities land uses consistent with the PUZ. The primary purpose of the land in Segment 2 that is traversed by the pipeline is for use by Gippsland Water. The construction of the pipeline through this segment will be via the conventional trenching and burial method. Removal of existing fences and tree and scrub clearing is likely to be required adjacent to the sewerage treatment lakes and their inlet channel. The pipeline corridor also passes under an unmade road, two existing saline water pipelines and an existing plantation. Limited tree clearing is expected to be required in the plantation. 8.2.1.3 Segment 3 – Rosedale-Stradbroke Segment 3 is primarily used for mixed farming, grazing, services and utilities, industrial and rural residential land uses, in accordance with the FZ and IN1Z through which the pipeline corridor traverses. The primary purpose of the land in Segment 3 that is traversed by the pipeline and proposed for the gas compressor station is for the retention of productive agricultural land and industrial uses where appropriate. The construction of the gas compressor station will occupy a nominal 500 by 500 metre area which includes additional workspace for site office, car parking, equipment and material laydowns, workshops and other facilities as required. An access track (approximately 10 metres in width) will be constructed from Sandy Camp Road in an easterly direction to the site. The access track will be approximately 1.9 kilometres long and co-located in the pipeline easement. The onshore compressor station will predominantly be prefabricated offsite to the maximum possible extent and assembled on site. Construction of the gas compressor station will involve clearing, road access, hardstand and site drainage, foundations, mechanical equipment and pipework.

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The construction of the pipeline through this segment will be via the conventional trenching and burial method. The construction of the metering facility will include a 250 metre by 250 metre additional workspace adjacent to the metering station on APA land. The construction will also include connection of the pipeline to the gas compressor station, the metering facility and existing assets in Longford to enable access to the Victorian Transmission Network and/or the Eastern Gas Pipeline. 8.2.1.4 Impact During periods of construction, the land in each Segment will be used in a manner inconsistent with the established land use and is a land use impact. As this occupancy is temporary this impact is considered to be minor. Further, the pipeline and gas compressor station will be constructed to: • Comply with relevant codes and standards including AS2885.1-2012: Pipelines – Gas and liquid petroleum (design and construction) (AS2885.1-2012) and the Australian Pipelines and Gas Association Code of Environmental Practice (APGA, 2017); and • Comply with the environmental requirements to be specified in a Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) to be prepared in compliance with the Pipelines Act and Pipeline Regulations 2017 and accepted by DELWP prior to construction. Consideration will also be given to reducing the right of way in areas such as sensitive environments and/or watercourses to minimise disturbance to these features. These mitigation measures will maintain a minor impact. No further land use mitigation measures are considered required or recommended. 8.2.2 Amenity impacts During the construction period there may be amenity impacts that include accessibility, air quality, noise and vibration and an increase in construction traffic, amongst others. The detail of these potential amenity impacts together with any relevant mitigation measures have been assessed more specifically within the EES technical reports listed in Section 5.10. The potential amenity impacts during construction are not expected to impact on land uses and as such can be considered to be minor. No land use mitigation measures are considered to be required.

8.3 Study Area and Pipeline Corridor – Operation Impacts

This section describes the potential impacts to land use and planning assets, values and uses as a result of the operation of the Project. It includes impacts on continuing land uses and the potential future redevelopment of land. Land use impacts during operation are generally related to a change of use or inability to use land in the same way as a result of the Project. Potential land use impacts during operation are identified in Section 8.3.1 below. For the following assessment, the operation impacts are considered in the context of each land use segment described at Section 6.2.2 and shown in Figure 2 of Appendix A. 8.3.1 Land use impacts Operation of the Project includes: • The use of the land for the pipeline; • The introduction of an easement which introduces restrictions on how the land may be used; • The use of land for the gas compressor station, shore crossing facility and metering facility; and • The use of land to monitor and maintain the pipeline and gas compressor station, shore crossing facility and metering facility.

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The operation of the Project would result in impacts to existing land uses which is a change to the existing use. This impact is considered negligible - minor and is discussed below. The Project is consistent with and supported by existing and future land use anticipated in this location to facilitate the use of resources. The Project, including the pipeline and gas compressor station will operate in a region currently utilised for pipelines related to the gas and oil sectors, with ties to the Victorian Transmission Network. 8.3.1.1 Segment 1 – Coastal Within Segment 1, the pipeline will largely be located underground with an easement applied to the pipeline corridor. Monitoring, and maintenance activities are also expected within the corridor. The shore crossing facility will enable the safe operation of the offshore wells and raw gas pipeline. Components of the facility include a control room, chemical injection, liquid collection and storage facilities. The pipeline corridor traverses 109 land parcels, with ownership including a number of private owners as well as parcels registered to APA, BHP, Central Gippsland Region Water Corporation (refer Section 6.1.1), Parks Victoria and Wellington Shire Council (amongst others). Seventy-nine parcels in the Ninety Mile Beach subdivision will be impacted. Notices of the Pipeline Corridor have been issued to the owners of each parcel. Consultation with Wellington Shire Council will be required to ensure easement acquisition will not interfere with the current Voluntary Transfer Scheme. 8.3.1.2 Segment 2 – Coastal East, Hinterland Within Segment 2, the pipeline will largely be located underground with an easement applied to the pipeline corridor. Monitoring, and maintenance activities are also expected within the corridor. 8.3.1.3 Segment 3 – Rosedale-Stradbroke Within Segment 3, the pipeline will largely be located underground with an easement applied to the pipeline corridor. Monitoring, and maintenance activities are also expected within the corridor. Segment 3 also includes the gas compressor station which will dry and compress the gas to meet the AEMO gas transmission system requirements. Broadly, the compressor station will include typical equipment such as process pipework, vessels, pumps, tanks, compressors, lighting, cold vent, low pressure flare, control room, workshop and office/amenities buildings. From a land use planning perspective, the location is not expected to result in significant land use impacts. The metering facility will comprise of gas metering and pressure regulation. From a land use planning perspective, the location is not expected to result in significant land use impacts. 8.3.1.4 Impact The use of land for the operation of the pipeline is consistent with the established land use, therefore land use impacts are considered negligible. The use of land for the operation of the gas compressor station will not impact the ongoing operation of surrounding land use, with land use impacts considered minor. The operational impacts of the application of the easement and the monitoring and maintenance activities for the pipeline and gas compressor station will be mitigated by: • The application of an Operation Environmental Management Plan (OEMP) which is to be approved by DELWP prior to operation under the Pipelines Act; and • Notification under the Pipelines Act to affected landowners and consultation with Wellington Shire Council to ensure easement acquisition will not interfere with the current Voluntary Transfer Scheme. Therefore, impacts are considered negligible - minor. 8.3.2 Amenity impacts During the operation of the gas compressor station there may be amenity impacts that include air quality, noise and vibration, amongst others. The detail of these potential amenity impacts together with any relevant mitigation measures have been assessed more specifically within the EES technical

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reports listed in Section 5.10. However, from a land use perspective, it is recognised that there are no sensitive uses in close proximity to the gas compressor station, the nearest potential sensitive receptor is approximately 2.2 kilometres away and largely screened by existing vegetation. Within this context, the potential amenity impacts during operation are not expected to impact on existing land uses and as such can be considered to be negligible. No land use mitigation measures are considered required or recommended.

8.4 Study Area and Pipeline Corridor – Decommissioning This section describes the potential impacts to land use and planning assets, values and uses as a result of the decommissioning of the Project. 8.4.1 Land use impacts Decommissioning of the onshore Project includes: • Decommissioning of the shore crossing facility, gas compressor station and pipeline infrastructure; and • Depressurisation of the pipeline and capping and injection of corrosion-inhibiting water prior to its disconnection. The decommissioning of the Project would result in changes to the land uses introduced by the Project, making land uses consistent with the existing land use. This impact is considered negligible and is discussed below. 8.4.1.1 Segment 1 – Coastal Within Segment 1, the pipeline and shore crossing facility will be decommissioned. Decommissioning activities include removal of the shore crossing facility, and ‘making good’ of the land it is on. It is expected that the land utilised by the shore crossing facility will be transitioned to current land use and tenure arrangements following decommissioning activities. In addition, the pipeline will be depressurised, capped and injected with corrosion-inhibiting water prior to its disconnection. It is expected that the easement will be removed from the land and that monitoring and maintenance activities will cease. 8.4.1.2 Segment 2 – Coastal East, Hinterland Within Segment 2, decommissioning activities include the depressurisation, capping and injection with corrosion-inhibiting water of the pipeline, prior to its disconnection. It is expected that the easement will be removed and monitoring and maintenance activities will cease. 8.4.1.3 Segment 3 – Rosedale-Stradbroke Within Segment 3, decommissioning activities include the depressurisation, capping and injection with corrosion-inhibiting water of the pipeline, prior to its disconnection. It is expected that the easement will be removed and monitoring and maintenance activities will cease. Segment 3 will also include the decommissioning of the gas compressor station which will include the removal of the gas compressor station and ‘making good’ of the land it is on. It is expected that the land utilised by the gas compressor station will be transitioned to its current land use and tenure following decommissioning activities. 8.4.2 Impact The use of land for the decommissioning of the pipeline, shore crossing facility and gas compressor station is consistent with the established land use, therefore land use impacts are considered negligible. Further, it is expected that a Decommissioning Environmental Management Plan (DEMP) will be prepared to manage any anticipated impacts. 8.4.3 Amenity impacts During the decommissioning period there may be amenity impacts that include accessibility, air quality, noise and vibration and an increase in traffic, amongst others, as a result of decommissioning

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activities. The detail of these potential amenity impacts together with any relevant mitigation measures have been assessed more specifically within the EES technical reports listed in Section 5.10. The potential amenity impacts during decommissioning are not expected to impact on land uses and as such can be considered to be negligible. No land use mitigation measures are considered to be required.

8.5 Cumulative impacts The introduction of the Project to the region has considered the potential for cumulative impacts upon the study area and concludes that there is no significant issue in this respect. As identified in Section 6.1.4, the existing infrastructure in this region has developed over time as a result of the natural features and planning policy which supports the economic benefits derived from these uses. Whilst there are other pipelines and associated facilities in this study area, it is considered that the cumulative impact of these infrastructure pieces is not significant.

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9.0 Environmental Management and Monitoring

9.1 Measures to be Undertaken to Minimise Impact The impact assessment (Section 8.0) has considered the potential land use impacts of the Project. It includes an assessment of direct and indirect impacts of construction and operation of the Project on land uses. The initial mitigation measures listed in Table 11 were applied during the risk assessment to identify the risk ratings for each risk during construction, operation and decommissioning of the Project. Table 11 Initial Mitigation Measures

MM ID Initial Mitigation Measure Project Stage MM-LU1 Minimise amenity impacts through CEMP and consultation with Construction affected landowners and stakeholders (this is captured in MM SE-01 Community and stakeholder engagement management plan). MM-LU2 Minimise amenity impacts through OEMP and consultation with Operation affected landowners and stakeholders (this is captured in MM SE-01 Community and stakeholder engagement management plan). MM-LU3 Consultation with Wellington Shire Council in regard to easement Operation acquisition impacts on Voluntary Transfer Scheme (this is captured in MM SE-01 Community and stakeholder engagement management plan). MM-LU4 Minimise amenity impacts through a DEMP and consultation with Decommissioning affected landowners and stakeholders. (this is captured in MM SE- 01 Community and stakeholder engagement management plan).

In addition to the initial mitigation measures listed in Table 11, the relevant supporting EES technical assessments and reports outlined in Section 5.10 are considered to provide sufficient mitigation measures to appropriately reduce the potential for land use impacts caused by the Project. Table 12 outlines the technical reports that this report has an interdependency with and summarises relevant mitigation measures proposed. Table 12 Supporting EES Technical Assessment Mitigation Measures

Technical Report Proposed Mitigation Measures of Relevance Technical Report B: • Proposes a number of initial and additional mitigations in relation to Marine environmental and marine impacts, specific to fisheries. Mitigations Environment include (inter alia): - Within one week of drilling completion, the location of the wellhead trawl guard will be provided to commercial fisheries stakeholders via direct communications from GB Energy. - Within one week of completing pipeline installation, the location of the pipeline will be provided to commercial fisheries stakeholders via direct communications from GB Energy. - GB Energy will liaise with fisheries and navigation agencies ahead of planned Inspection, Maintenance and Repair activities. Technical Report F: • Managing noise and vibration from construction activities, including Noise and Vibration consideration of offsite noise management measures. • Operational noise controls for the gas compressor station and shore crossing facility along with cumulative noise controls and commissioning measurements. Technical Report I: • Traffic Management Plan (prior to the commencement of construction) to Traffic minimise disruption (to the extent practicable) to affected local land uses, traffic, car parking, on-road public transport, pedestrian and

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Technical Report Proposed Mitigation Measures of Relevance bicycle movements and existing public facilities during all stages of construction. • Stakeholder consultation on transport changes (prior to the commencement of construction and any temporary road closures) including advance notice to affected residents, businesses or industries. Technical Report • Consult with directly affected landholders to ensure impacts associated M: Social Impact with the construction and operational phases are minimised and/or that compensation reflects and takes into account the specific impacts on each landholder. • Develop 'Property Management Plans' in consultation with Landholders and Occupiers of affected properties to work collaboratively to minimise physical impacts during the construction and reinstatement works. • To the extent practicable, onshore construction in the vicinity of Golden Beach from Christmas to the end of January and during the Golden Beach End of Summer Festival (including one day either side of the festival) to be considerate of the community, in particular in relation to noise and traffic. • Make information regarding programming of construction activity available to potential users of nearby campsites. Technical Report L: • Construction and decommissioning mitigation measures, including (inter Air Quality alia): - Dust suppression at construction areas. - Restricted vehicle movements. - Appropriate management of odorous soils, if found. • Operational mitigation measures, including (inter alia): - Plant and equipment should be maintained in good condition to minimise spills and air emissions that may cause nuisance.

9.2 Residual Impacts Following implementation of a CEMP and undertaking consultation with key landholders and stakeholders (MM-LU1), the construction activities will have a minor residual impact on land use and planning within the study area. Following the implementation of the MM-LU2, MM-LU3 and MM-LU4 (refer to Table 11), the residual impact on land use and planning during operation will also be minor. It is acknowledged that amenity impacts as a result of the Project include accessibility, air quality, noise and vibration, visual and an increase in construction traffic, amongst others are expected. The detail of these potential amenity impacts together with any relevant mitigation measures have been assessed more specifically within the EES technical reports listed in Section 5.10 and mitigation measured outlined in Table 12.

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10.0 Conclusion

The purpose of this report is to provide a land use and planning impact assessment to inform the preparation of the EES required for the Project. A summary of the key assets, values or uses potentially affected by the Project, and the associated impacts assessment are summarised below.

10.1 Existing Conditions

The review of existing conditions comprised the following: • The planning framework applicable to the Project; • Current strategic planning work and future planning scheme amendments being considered by the State and Council; • Publicly accessible zoning, overlay and heritage mapping and aerial imagery; • Site visit and consultation undertaken in January 2020; and • Information including: - Landholder details; and - Affected land parcel identification and information. Based on these elements, an overview of the existing conditions was prepared to provide the basis of the strategic assessment and study area and pipeline corridor construction and operation impact assessment.

10.2 Impact Assessment

Project related activities during the construction phase are likely to temporarily impact land uses within or close to the study area, while operational impacts are limited. Aspects of the Project that have been identified as resulting in impacts include: • During construction, land use changes are considered to have minor land use and amenity impacts. To address any foreseeable impacts, initial mitigation measures are proposed through implementation of a Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) which is subject to Ministerial approval under the Pipelines Act; • During operation, the pipeline is considered to have negligible land use and amenity impacts. During operation, the gas compressor station is considered to have minor land use and amenity impacts. Initial mitigation measures are proposed through implementation of an Operation Environmental Management Plan (OEMP) which is subject to Ministerial approval under the Pipelines Act and consultation with affected land owners and Wellington Shire Council in relation to the Voluntary Transfer Scheme; and • During decommissioning, land use changes are considered to have negligible land use and amenity impacts. Initial mitigation measures are proposed through implementation of a Decommissioning Environmental Management Plan (DEMP) which is subject to Ministerial approval under the Pipelines Act. It is determined that the relevant supporting EES technical assessment and reports provide sufficient mitigation measures to appropriately reduce the risk of land use impacts caused by the Project. The Project will not result in unacceptable or long-term impacts to the existing composition of land uses within the study area and will not diminish the long-term vision for growth and land use planning in the broader Gippsland region. Rather, the Project will support a variety of state, regional and local land use objectives.

Appendix A

Mapping

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Appendix A Mapping

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Appendix A – Mapping

Figure 1 Study Area

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Figure 2 Study Area Segments

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Figure 3 Wellington Planning Scheme – Planning Units

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Figure 4 Zoning

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Figure 5 Overlays

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Figure 6 Segment 1 - Coastal

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Figure 7 Segment 2 - Coastal East, Hinterland

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Figure 8 Segment 3 - Rosedale-Stradbroke

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Figure 9 Study Area Land Uses

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Figure 10 Segment 1 - Coastal Land Uses

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Figure 11 Segment 2 - Coastal East, Hinterland Land Uses

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Figure 12 Segment 3 - Rosedale-Stradbroke Land Uses

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Figure 13 Segment 1 - Zoning

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Figure 14 Segment 1 - Overlays

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Figure 15 Segment 1 - Potential Sensitive Receptors

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Figure 16 Segment 2 - Zoning

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Figure 17 Segment 2 - Overlays

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Figure 18 Segment 3 - Zoning

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Figure 19 Segment 3 - Overlays

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Figure 20 Segment 3 - Potential Receptors

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Appendix B

Risk assessment

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Appendix B Risk assessment

Risk assessment process

The EES risk assessment aimed to: • Identify the interactions between project elements and activities and assets, values and uses • Focus the impact assessment and enable differentiation of significant and high risks and impacts from lower risks and impacts. This section presents an overview of the EES risk assessment process.

Rating Risk

Risk ratings were assessed by considering the consequence and likelihood of an event occurring. In assessing the consequence, the extent, severity and duration of the risks were considered. These are discussed below.

Assigning the consequences of risks

‘Consequence’ refers to the maximum credible outcome of an event affecting an asset, value or use. Consequence criteria were developed for the Golden Beach Gas Project to enable a consistent assessment of consequence across the range of potential environmental effects. Consequence criteria were assigned based on the maximum credible consequence of the risk pathway occurring. Where there was uncertainty or incomplete information, a conservative assessment was made on the basis of the maximum credible consequence. Consequence criteria have been developed to consider the following characteristics: • Extent of impact • Severity of impact • Duration of threat. Table B - 1 presents the consequence framework for the Project. Table B - 1 Consequence framework Qualitative description of Qualitative description of socio-economic Level biophysical/environmental consequences consequences Negligible No detectable change in a local No detectable impact on economic, public health environmental setting and safety, cultural, recreational, aesthetic or social values Minor Short-term, reversible changes, Short-term, localised impact on economic, public within natural variability range, in a health and safety, cultural, recreational, local environmental setting aesthetic or social values Moderate Medium-term but limited changes to Medium-term change in quality of economic, local environmental setting that are public health and safety, cultural, recreational, able to be managed aesthetic or social values in local setting. Limited impacts at regional level Major Long-term, significant changes Significant, long-term change in quality of resulting in risks to human health economic, public health and safety, cultural, and/or the environment beyond the recreational, aesthetic or social values at local, local environmental setting regional and State levels. Limited impacts at national level Severe Irreversible, significant changes Significant, permanent impact on regional resulting in widespread risks to economy, public health and safety and/or

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Qualitative description of Qualitative description of socio-economic Level biophysical/environmental consequences consequences human health and/or the irreversible changes to cultural, recreational, environment at a regional scale or aesthetic or social values at regional, state and broader national levels

Assigning the likelihood of risks

‘Likelihood’ refers to the chance of an event happening and the maximum credible consequence occurring from that event. The likelihood criteria are presented in Table B - 2. Table B - 2 Likelihood guide

Level Description Rare The event may occur only in exceptional circumstances Unlikely The event could occur but is not expected Possible The event could occur Likely The event will probably occur in most circumstances Almost Certain The event is expected to occur in most circumstances

Risk matrix and risk rating

Risk levels are assessed using the matrix presented in Table B - 3. Table B - 3 Risk assessment matrix

Consequence ratings

Negligible Minor Moderate Major Severe

Rare Very Low Very Low Low Medium Medium

Unlikely Very Low Low Low Medium High

Likelihood Possible Low Low Medium High High rating Likely Low Medium Medium High Very High Almost Low Medium High Very High Very High Certain

Risk evaluation and treatment

The risk assessment process was used as a screening tool to prioritise potential impacts and the subsequent level of assessment undertaken as part of the impact assessment. Where initial risk ratings were found to be ‘medium’ or higher, options for additional design changes or mitigation and management measures were considered where practicable. Further analysis and evaluation of the impacts potentially arising from both risks and planned events and information on how these would be managed is provided in the main body of this report in Section 8.

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Assigning consequences of risks – land use and planning

In this risk assessment, the consequences of a risk occurring were assigned using the consequence framework presented in Table B - 1. Specific consequence categories were developed considering existing conditions in the study area. The consequence rating criteria used in the risk assessment specifically for risks relating to land use and planning are shown in Table B - 4. Table B - 5 presents the risk pathway summary table for this land use and planning impact assessment, identifying the risk, risk pathways, initial mitigation measures and the risk ratings. As a result of the initial mitigation measures outlined above, no residual impacts (or associated mitigation measures) are anticipated in related to land use and planning.

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Table B - 4 Consequence criteria

Aspect Negligible Minor Moderate Major Severe Land Negligible overall impact on Minor overall impact on Moderate overall impact Major overall impact on Catastrophic overall Use existing and potential future existing and potential on existing and potential existing and potential impact on existing and Planning land uses. future land uses. future land uses. future land uses. potential future land uses (Social) Land use changes Land use changes result Land use changes result Land use changes result that renders those uses generally consistent with in minor inconsistency in moderate inconsistency in a major inconsistency untenable. planning policies and with local or state with local or state with local or state Land use changes result in zoning. planning policies and planning policies and planning policies and extensive and significant Small impact, short-term zoning. zoning. zoning. conflict with local or state (less than 3-6 months), Small impact, short-lived Moderate impact, Large impact, reversible planning policies and recoverable changes (less than 1-2 years) reversible (up to 2-5 (5-10 years) change zoning. affecting a limited number change affecting a limited years) change affecting affecting land uses across Very large, permanent of land uses locally. number of land uses many land uses locally. a local or wider area. (10+ years) change Property locally. Property Property affecting land uses across acquisition/easement Property acquisition/easement acquisition/easement a wider area or region. arrangements that result in acquisition/easement arrangements that result arrangements that results Property negligible land use arrangements that result in moderate land use in major land use acquisition/easement restriction or change. in minor land use restriction or change. restriction or change. arrangements that result in restriction or change. severe land use restriction or change.

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Table B - 5 Risk pathway summary table Additional Risk Initial Risk Residual Risk Segment Risk Name Risk Pathway Initial Mitigation Measure Mitigation ID C L Risk Measure C L Risk Construction LU1 Segment 1 Land use The proposed construction Minimise amenity impacts through Low No Low Segment 2 activities result in temporary CEMP and consultation with additional Segment 3 land use changes, access affected landowners and mitigation or amenity impacts that are stakeholders (MM-LU1). measures inconsistent with existing identified

land uses and policy (in the

local or regional setting), or

reasonably foreseeable

future land use directions

Possible Minor Possible for public and private land. Minor Operation LU2 Segment 1 Land use The proposed location and Minimise amenity impacts through Low No Low Segment 2 (pipeline) siting of the pipeline results OEMP and consultation with additional Segment 3 in land use changes, affected landowners and mitigation access or ongoing amenity stakeholders (MM-LU2). measures impacts that are Consultation with Wellington Shire identified

inconsistent with existing Council in regard to easement

land uses and policy (in the acquisition impacts on Voluntary

local or regional setting), or Transfer Scheme (MM-LU3). reasonably foreseeable Statutory notice under the Pipelines

future land use directions Act was issued to affected

Possible Negligible Possible for public and private land. landowners in May 2020 Negligible

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Additional Risk Initial Risk Residual Risk Segment Risk Name Risk Pathway Initial Mitigation Measure Mitigation ID C L Risk Measure C L Risk LU3 Segment 3 Land use The proposed location and Minimise amenity impacts through Low No Low (gas siting of the gas compressor OEMP and consultation with additional compressor station results in land use affected landowners and mitigation station) changes, access or ongoing stakeholders (MM-LU2). measures amenity impacts that are identified inconsistent with existing

land uses and policy (in the

local or regional setting), or

reasonably foreseeable

future land use directions

Possible Minor Possible for public and private land. Minor Decommissioning LU4 Segment 1 Land use The proposed Minimise amenity impacts through a Low No Low Segment 2 decommissioning activities DEMP and consultation with additional Segment 3 result in land use changes, affected landowners and mitigation access or amenity impacts stakeholders (MM-LU4). measures that are inconsistent with identified

existing land uses and

policy (in the local or

regional setting), or reasonably foreseeable

future land use directions

Possible Negligible Possible for public and private land. Negligible

Appendix C

Site photos

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Appendix C Site photos

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Appendix C – Site Photos Segment 1 - Coastal

Figure 1 Onshore location of pipeline beach crossing

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Figure 2

Figure 3 Pipeline alignment looking north-west towards Gippsland Water land across Lake Reeve

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Figure 4

Figure 5

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Figure 6

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Segment 2 - Coastal East, Hinterland

Figure 7 Photo taken from Gippsland Water Gate looking north-east

Figure 8 Photo taken from Gippsland Water adjacent to entrance gate looking south-west along property boundary

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Figure 9 Gippsland Water land looking west along property boundary

Figure 10 Irrigation channels within Gippsland Water land

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Figure 11 Irrigation Channels looking west towards pine plantations

Figure 12 Looking west along pipeline route adjacent to the pine plantation

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Figure 13 Photo looking west across Gippsland Water agricultural land

Figure 14 Gippsland Water agricultural land

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Segment 3 - Rosedale – Stradbroke

Figure 15 Pipeline alignment looking east towards gas compressor station location

Figure 16 Pipeline alignment looking east towards gas compressor station location

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Figure 17 Pipeline alignment looking west

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Figure 18 Pipeline alignment at anticipated crossing of existing high-pressure gas pipelines

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Attachment 4 Social Impact Assessment (Public Place Melbourne, 2020)

SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

Golden Beach Gas Project

Prepared for GB Energy (VIC) Pty Limited

October 2020

www.public-place.com.au

REPORT AUTHORS Glenn Weston – Director

Public Place Melbourne Pty Ltd ABN 45 165 088 951

Tel: 03 9078 4607 Website: www.public-place.com.au

Executive Summary

Introduction

This report assesses the potential social impacts associated with the construction, operation and decommissioning of the Golden Beach Gas Project (the Project).

The Project comprises the drilling and completion of two offshore wells in Victorian waters which access the Golden Beach Gas Field, and the construction of high-pressure gas pipeline(s) connecting the wells to the Victorian Transmission System (VTS) and east-coast gas market. The pipeline will be designed to be bi-directional, allowing for the Golden Beach Gas Field, when partially depleted, to be used as a storage facility with a 40-year design life.

Methodology

This social impact assessment (SIA) was compiled in accordance with well-established procedural steps:

▪ Scoping – Define the scope of the study and develop an SIA methodology (Sections 1 to 2).

▪ Profiling - Outline the existing social conditions and policy context. Identify the key social receptors and community resources (Sections 3 to 5).

▪ Prediction and Evaluation - Assess likely social changes/effects associated with the proposal and evaluate the impact of the predicted changes for the key social receptors (Sections 6 to 8).

▪ Mitigation - Propose measures to mitigate identified impacts (Sections 6 to 8). Scoping

The EES scoping requirements, an assessment undertaken by AECOM and stakeholder and community engagement undertaken by GB Energy were reviewed. These sources were used to identify changes caused by the Project with the potential to result in social impacts, and the spatial range over which these changes may be experienced. The scoping phase also contributed to the identification of community resources and social receptors of relevance to the SIA and the selection of data collection tasks. Notwithstanding, the scope of the SIA remained open to review throughout the process, to ensure that no relevant potential impacts were omitted. Data Collection

Data to support the social impact assessment was compiled using a number of primary and secondary sources, including: ABS statistics and other relevant secondary data sources; technical assessments prepared for the EES; a site visit to Golden Beach including attendance at a community information session; data generated through the stakeholder and community engagement conducted by GB Energy; interviews with interest groups including the Golden Paradise Beach Ratepayers & Residents Association Inc and Parks Victoria; and attendance at a public information session (see Section 2).

Assessing significance

The significance of identified social impacts has been assessed by considering the magnitude of social effects likely to generate impacts and the sensitivity of social receptors to these effects (see Table 3-2 for more detail):

▪ Magnitude is an objective consideration. Magnitude is considered in terms of the: intensity of change (i.e. how large is the change relative to existing conditions); scale (spatial extent and/or number of social receptors affected); and duration of the change.

▪ Sensitivity - the subjective experience of social effects by particular receptors. This experience is influenced by how desirable or undesirable a change is from the perspective of the receptor and the ability of the receptors to cope with (or without) the change.

Impact assessment

Table E-1 identifies potential social impacts of greatest significance (rating of minor or greater) associated with the construction and operation of the Project. Impacts associated with decommissioning have not be specified. However, assuming no major changes to land use patterns and/or population density in locations near the Project, social impacts which would arise during decommissioning would be likely be negligible to minor in terms of their significance.

Table E-1: Summary of potential impacts (adverse and beneficial)

Effect Potential impacts (adverse and beneficial) Rating Construction Land The construction process would place an impost on the personal time and energies of a Minor Occupation small number of farming families, and may be the source of some irritation and stress Negative Altered Intermittent construction noise may result in a minor reduction in the liveability of a small Minor Amenity number of dwellings located in Golden Beach over a period of 6-8 months. Negative Intermittent construction noise may diminish the attractiveness of two camping grounds Minor located along Shoreline Drive, and potentially affect the quality and extent of camper Negative visitation to Golden Beach. During January and around Easter, alternative sites may not be available due to capacity constraints. Construction activity may occur during the End of Summer Festival. While activity Minor programmed for the relevant period is unlikely to affect the success of the festival Negative directly, local community representatives are keen to ensure the Festival’s success and are averse to construction over the Festival period. In the absence of a commitment to avoid this period, the Project has the potential to create tensions in the local community. Intermittent construction noise may result in a minor reduction in the liveability of a small Minor number of rural dwellings over a period of 9-12 months. Negative Altered Managerial staff may be accommodated in Golden Beach during construction, Minor Socio- stimulating spending in a town which relies heavily on visitors to maintain the viability of Positive economic local services, such as the Golden Beach General Store. profile A small amount of temporary employment would be generated, which could be accessed Minor by residents of the Study Area and potentially adjoining areas. Positive Operation Altered Noise emanating from the proposed Gas Compressor Station has potential to reduce the Minor Amenity amenity of one nearby dwelling. However, modelling indicates that project noise criteria Negative would only be exceeded during emergency situations at night. iii

Conclusion

Due to its location and the nature of the land it traverses, the Project’s potential to generate negative social impacts is limited. Notwithstanding, a number of minor negative social impacts would arise in association with the Project (see Table E-1).

While the impacts identified in Table E-1 may be considered acceptable, it would be possible to mitigate the impacts and this should occur where it does not place unreasonable demands on the proponent. Table E-2 includes potential mitigation measures. If these are implemented, the significance of the impacts outlined in Table E-1 would be reduced.

Table E-2: Potential Mitigation Measures

Social Effect Potential Mitigation Measure

Construction

Land Occupation Consult with directly affected landholders to ensure impacts associated with the construction phase are minimised and/or that compensation reflects and takes into account the specific impacts on each landholder. Develop 'Property Management Plans' in consultation with land-holders and occupiers of affected properties (which are currently used) to work collaboratively to minimise physical impacts during the construction and reinstatement works ('Property Management Plans' are not needed with respect to land parcels within the Ninety Mile Beach subdivision).

Altered Amenity To the extent practicable, on-shore construction in the vicinity of Golden Beach from Christmas to the end of January and during the Golden Beach End of Summer Festival (including one day either side of the festival) to be considerate of the community, in particular in relation to noise and traffic. To the extent practicable, restrict or avoid off-shore construction activities during the Golden Beach End of Summer Festival (including one day either side of the festival). Make information regarding programming of construction activity available to potential users of campsites C6 and C7.

Abbreviations

Abbreviation ABS Australian Bureau of Statistics CGWC Central Gippsland Water Corporation EES Environment Effects Statement PPF Planning Policy Framework ROW Right of Way RV Recreational Vehicle SA1 Statistical Area – Level 1 SEIFA Index Socio-economic Index for Areas SIA Social Impact Assessment VTS Victorian Transmission System Glossary

Term Social effect an objectively verifiable change to the social profile of a community or the resources it relies on. Social impacts the experience (positive or negative) of a social effect by individuals or groups (the social receptors). Social receptor Individual or group whom experiences impacts

Contents EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...... II PART 1 – INTRODUCTION ...... 1 1 INTRODUCTION ...... 2 1.1 THE PROJECT ...... 2 1.2 PURPOSE ...... 3 2 METHODOLOGY ...... 6 2.1 INTRODUCTION TO SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT ...... 6 2.2 SCOPING ...... 6 2.3 DATA COLLECTION ...... 9 2.4 ASSESSING SIGNIFICANCE ...... 10 PART 2 - EXISTING CONDITIONS ...... 12 3 POLICY CONTEXT ...... 13 3.1 INTRODUCTION ...... 13 3.2 STATE AND REGIONAL PLANS AND POLICES ...... 13 3.3 LOCAL PLANS AND POLICES ...... 14 3.4 IMPLICATIONS FOR THE SIA...... 18 4 POPULATION CHARACTERISTICS AND TRENDS ...... 19 4.1 INTRODUCTION ...... 19 4.2 POPULATION SIZE AND GROWTH ...... 19 4.3 COMMUNITY PROFILE ...... 20 5 COMMUNITY RESOURCES ...... 23 5.1 LAND AND HOUSING ...... 23 5.2 COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND EVENTS ...... 26 PART 3 – ASSESSMENT ...... 31 6 IMPACTS DURING CONSTRUCTION ...... 32 6.1 INTRODUCTION ...... 32 6.2 LAND OCCUPATION ...... 32 6.3 AMENITY ...... 36 6.4 SOCIO-ECONOMIC CONDITIONS ...... 41 7 IMPACTS DURING OPERATION ...... 44 7.1 INTRODUCTION ...... 44 7.2 LAND OCCUPATION ...... 44 7.3 AMENITY ...... 47 7.4 SOCIO-ECONOMIC CONDITIONS ...... 49 8 IMPACTS DURING DECOMMISSIONING ...... 50 8.1 INTRODUCTION ...... 50 8.2 CHANGES AND IMPACTS ...... 50 9 SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION ...... 50 9.1 SIGNIFICANT IMPACTS ...... 51 9.2 CONCLUSION ...... 51 10 REFERENCES ...... 52

PART 1 – INTRODUCTION

Part 1 of the social impact assessment (SIA) provides an overview of the study scope and methods employed. Part 1 comprises two sections:

▪ Introduction

▪ Methodology

1 Introduction

This report assesses the potential social impacts associated with the construction, operation and decommissioning of the Golden Beach Gas Project (the Project).

The Project was referred by GB Energy (VIC) Pty Limited to the Victorian Government under the Environment Effects Act 1978 (EE Act). On 8 September 2019, the Minister for Planning issued a decision determining that an Environment Effects Statement (EES) is required for the Project.

1.1 The Project

The Project components are (also refer to Figure 1-1):

▪ Offshore drilling, testing and completion of two wells with installation of subsea wellheads.

▪ A subsea pipeline from the wells to a shore location approximately 3.8 kilometres south-west of the Golden Beach town centre.

▪ A 1.5-kilometre shoreline crossing.

▪ Shore crossing facility.

▪ A 21-kilometre buried pipeline in a 30 metre wide right of way.

▪ A gas compressor station which will compress the gas and collect water entrained in the gas.

▪ A metering facility. Location

The Project spans a linear corridor, commencing above the Golden Beach Gas Field and terminating near Longford (refer to Figure 1-2). The proposed pipeline comes onto land approximately 150 metres from the southern boundary of the Golden Beach coastal settlement and within the State Suburb of Golden Beach. This section of coastline forms part of the ‘Ninety Mile Beach’, and the beach and associated dune system are contained within the Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park.

Having traversed land within the Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park, the proposed pipeline crosses Shoreline Drive and enters undeveloped land contained within the Ninety Mile Beach subdivision, which extends for approximately 23 kilometres from Paradise Beach to the Honey Suckles. The small coastal hamlets of Golden Beach and Paradise Beach are located to the north. These settlements were established in the 1950s in conjunction with the Ninety Mile Beach subdivision, when approximately 11,800 residential lots were created in what are now the Golden Beach and Paradise Beach state suburbs. Much of the subdivided land in Golden Beach and Paradise Beach (and indeed throughout the Ninety Mile Beach subdivision), has been deemed unsuitable for development and rezoned to prevent its development.

Figure 1-1: Golden Beach Gas Project Schematic

Having passed through the Ninety Mile Beach coastal subdivision, the proposed pipeline briefly re-enters the Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park (section not accessible to the public) before crossing rural land located in Dutson Downs, Dutson and Longford (the Rural Area). For the first 9 kilometres of its path across the ‘Rural Area’, the pipeline crosses land zoned for Public Use and owned and managed by the Central Gippsland Water Corporation (CGWC).

The final section of the proposed pipeline traverses rural land held in private ownership. This land supports a variety of uses, including beef production and equine activities, as well as forestry.

Figure 1-2: Location Map

Construction Activities

The key construction activities are described in detail in EES Chapter 4, and comprise:

▪ Offshore drilling of two conventional wells.

▪ Subsea pipeline.

▪ Shore crossing pipeline and facility.

▪ Onshore pipeline.

▪ Gas compressor station and metering facility. Operational Activities

Key operational activities for the Project include:

▪ Production operations – gas extraction and reservoir depletion.

▪ Gas transmission.

▪ Gas storage. Decommissioning Activities

Key decommissioning activities for the Project may include:

▪ Decommissioning of the infrastructure.

▪ Depressurisation of the pipeline.

▪ Capping and injection of corrosion-inhibiting water prior to its disconnection.

▪ Plugging and permanent capping of offshore pipeline and facilities.

▪ Cutting, flushing and retrieval of equipment. Subject to secondary use or repurposing of the site at the end of the Project’s useful life, and legislation requirements at the time, the activities listed above may be subject to change.

Activities Relevant to the SIA

Infrastructure projects have the potential to generate social impacts if land occupation, land severance, or changes to amenity associated with the project affect social activity. In addition, infrastructure projects may change the social profile of a community, and this also has the potential to generate impacts. The Project would bring about changes in these aforementioned domains, as illustrated below. Land occupation

GB Energy proposes to obtain an easement in respect of land required for the construction and operation of the pipeline (as required under the Pipelines Act 2005). Following construction, the land within the easement would be reinstated to its former condition. GB Energy would place certain conditions on the easement including but not limited to:

▪ Preventing the erection of structures or excavation of land below a certain depth;

▪ Planting of permanent vegetation that may impact the pipeline and line of sight between the pipeline warning markers; and

▪ Altering the existing contour of the land.

Other than the restrictions placed on the easement, landowners would have the right to use the land as allowed by its former condition. Land occupied by the proposed gas compressor station, metering facility and shore crossing facility, would be fenced and not accessible to private land-holders or the public. Access

The proposed construction ROW would not be traversable by the public or private landholders during construction and may potentially limit access to land, dwellings and infrastructure during construction. Notwithstanding, access to all dwellings and community buildings would be retained in some form, unless agreed with the owner and/or operator. Amenity

The amenity of locations near the Project would be changed on a temporary basis during construction and operation of the Project. Changes to amenity with potential to interfere with beneficial uses of land include but are not limited to changes to visual and acoustic amenity, road conditions and air quality. Table 1-2 provides a summary of changes to acoustic and visual amenity associated with the Project (see also Technical Report E, Landscape and Visual and Technical Report F – Noise and Vibration). Potential changes to traffic conditions and air quality have been assessed in the Technical Report I – Traffic and Transport and Technical Report L – Air Quality, and would be of insufficient magnitude to generate material social impacts. Social profile

The workforce associated with each element of the construction process is set out in Table 1-1. The construction workforce may alter the social profile of communities near the Project.

Table 1-1: Construction Workforce by Construction Stage

Peak Workforce Stage Construction Operation Decommissioning Offshore works - Drilling 160 4 160 Offshore works - Shore Crossing 110 110 Shore Crossing - Onshore 40 - On-Shore Pipeline 130 30 Facilities 100 20 Managerial 20 5 10 Source: GB Energy Community Benefit Fund

GB Energy intends to establish a Community Benefit Fund which would be administered with the assistance of a panel of community-based representatives. At the time of writing, detailed arrangements in terms of the amount of funding that would be provided to the fund and the process through which funds would be administered had not been resolved.

1.2 Purpose

The purpose of this report is to identify and assess social impacts likely to be associated with physical changes associated with the Project’s construction, operation and decommissioning, as well as direct changes to the socio-economic conditions within the Study Area. This report also seeks to identify potential design responses and/or other mitigation measures to avoid, reduce and/or manage identified impacts. Section 2 of this report sets out the scope of this SIA in further detail.

Broader benefits of the Project, including those relating to the Project’s role in delivering gas into the east- coast gas market, are dealt with elsewhere in the EES.

Table 1-2: Changes to Amenity by Construction Activity

Stage Visual Changes Acoustic Changes Timing Construction Offshore ▪ An offshore drill-rig would be placed 3.8 kilometres from the shoreline. ▪ Work associated with offshore drilling would occur continuously for an approximately ▪ Mid-late drilling The rig would be clearly visible from the Ninety Mile Beach. 90-day period. The drilling process would create noise, which may be audible on 2021 ▪ Night time works are expected to occur in relation to the drill-rig and land. However, due to the separation distance, noise levels would typically be low night time lighting would be used facilitate the works. Lighting would be (less than 38 dB(A), even at the closet point to the drill-rig on land. ‘Flaring’, would directed to working areas to minimise light spill. intermittently result in clearly audible noise levels over a period of 3-4 days. Subsea ▪ Nearshore vessels will operate within 1 kilometre from the shoreline. The ▪ Noise generated by nearshore vessels may be audible on land, but would be ▪ Early Pipeline vessels would be visible from the beach but less noticeable than the relatively low. Construction would take place over a 20 day period. 2022 drill-rig. Shore ▪ The shore crossing facility would be located on the western side of ▪ Construction would occur over 90 to 120 days, primarily in daytime hours. At a ▪ Early crossing Shoreline Drive and construction activity would not be visible from distance of approximately 300 metres, noise levels would range from 42-53 dB(A), 2022 campsites, the beach or dwellings. compared with background noise level of 33 dB(A). ▪ Night time works are expected to occur in relation to the shore crossing ▪ The shore crossing pipeline would be constructed using (HDD). Associated work facility and night time lighting would be used to facilitate the works. would occur 24/7 for two weeks. However, mitigation measures outlined in the Lighting would be directed to working areas to minimise light spill. Technical Report F, Noise and Vibration would mitigate noise as far as practical ▪ The shore crossing pipeline would be constructed adjacent to Gippsland Water Ocean Outfall pipeline using HDD or micro tunnelling. Activities such as pulling the pipeline over the dunes would be visible on the beach from locations in close proximity. On Shore ▪ During the construction period, the ROW would present as a ▪ Construction would occur in 11 discrete stages over 6-9 months. With the exception ▪ Mid Pipeline construction area, with variously, an open trench, machinery, material, of hydrostatic testing, work would occur during the day and progress at approx. 800 2021 to etc, visible to observers in close proximity. metres per day. mid ▪ Noise generated during each stage would vary, with noisier activities having the 2022 greatest potential to affect amenity for receivers located within approximately 100 to 120 metres of the works. ▪ Hydrostatic testing would occur over an approximately 7-day period at each end of the pipeline. Construction noise would have potential to affect amenity for receivers located within approximately 130 metres. On four of the seven days, work would occur 24/7. ▪ Approximately 300 metres of pipeline through the Ramsar wetland of Lake Reeve would be constructed using an open trenching when Lake Reeve is not inundated in one sweep over 2 to 7 days. Compressor ▪ The station would be approx. 300 m x 300 m within a fenced compound, ▪ Construction of the gas compressor station will involve distinct phases of work over ▪ Mid station and construction workspace of approx. 500 m x 500 m. Construction is approximately 12 months to complete. 2021 to estimated to take 12 months. An access track (10 metres wide 1.9 km ▪ Moderate construction noise may be audible in surrounding rural environments

Stage Visual Changes Acoustic Changes Timing long) would be constructed from Sandy Camp Road to the site. mid Construction activity would be visible from nearby rural areas. 2022 Metering ▪ Construction activity would be visible from nearby rural areas ▪ Construction of the metering station would involve distinct phases of work over ▪ Mid Station approximately 4 months. 2022 ▪ Moderate construction noise may be audible in surrounding rural environments, with potential to lead to noise criteria exceedances during the evening/weekend periods. Operation On-shore ▪ Not visible ▪ No noise emissions Ongoing and offshore pipelines Shore ▪ Once completed, the Shore Crossing Facility would be contained within ▪ The facility would operate continuously and emit noise which may be audible in the Crossing a fenced compound approximately 60 m by 40 m. The largest proposed surrounding area. Facility structure has a height of 2.9m above ground level. ▪ The facility would be would be visible from nearby rural areas within approximately 200 metres. Gas ▪ Once complete the compressor station facility would be approximately ▪ The facility would operate continuously and emit noise which may be audible in Compressor 300 metres x 300 metres. The largest proposed structure has a height of the surrounding area in the context of a very quiet existing acoustic Station 29m above ground level. environment. ▪ The facility would be would be visible from nearby rural areas within approximately 2km. Metering ▪ Once complete the metering facility will be a small above ground fenced ▪ The facility would operate continuously and emit noise which may be audible in Station facility (approximately 50m by 50 m) and will be lit at night. nearby locations in the context of a very quiet existing acoustic environment. ▪ A 2.5-metre-high chain-wire fence will surround the facility. ▪ The facility would be would be visible from nearby rural areas within approximately 200 metres.

2 Methodology

The following sections outline the method for the social impact assessment, including the assessment framework employed and primary research tasks completed.

2.1 Introduction to social impact assessment

Social impact assessment (SIA) is a social research process to identify the potential social effects of planned interventions such as infrastructure developments and to assess the likely impact of these effects for individuals and social groups. In SIA, a distinction is drawn between effects and impacts as follows:

▪ Social effect: an objectively verifiable change to the social profile of a community or the resources it relies on.

▪ Social impacts: the experience (positive or negative) of a social effect by individuals or groups (the social receptors).

Social impacts are distinct from social effects as different individuals and groups experience change differently depending on their circumstances (Van Schooten et al., 2003).

This SIA was compiled following the well-established procedural steps of SIA and makes use of data collected using a variety of research methods to establish existing conditions and assess potential effects and impacts. The report is structured to present the information in a number of parts as indicated:

▪ Scoping – Define the scope of the study and develop an SIA methodology (Sections 1 to 2).

▪ Profiling - Outline the existing social conditions and policy context. Identify the key social receptors and community resources (Sections 3 to 5).

▪ Prediction and Evaluation - Assess likely social changes/effects associated with the proposal and evaluate the impact of the predicted changes for the key social receptors (Sections 6 to 8).

▪ Mitigation - Propose measures to mitigate identified impacts (Sections 6 to 8).

2.2 Scoping

Scoping Requirements

The scoping requirements for the EES set out the specific environmental matters to be investigated and documented in the Project’s EES and to inform the scope of the EES technical studies. The scoping requirements include a set of evaluation objectives. These objectives identify the desired outcomes to be achieved in managing the potential impacts of constructing and operating the Project.

The following evaluation objective is relevant to the SIA:

To avoid and minimise adverse effects on land use, social fabric of the community, traffic and road infrastructure, local infrastructure and to neighbouring landowners during construction, operation and decommissioning of the project

The aspects from the Scoping Requirements which relate to the evaluation objective set out above are shown as well as the location where these items have been addressed in this report.

Table 2-1 - Scoping requirements relevant to the SIA

Section Aspect Scoping requirement Addressed

Key issues ▪ Potential for project works and operations to affect business (including ▪ Section 5 fisheries, farming and tourism), operations or other existing or approved ▪ Sections 6 to 8 facilities or land uses. ▪ Potential for temporary or permanent changes to use of or access to existing infrastructure in the project area and in its vicinity. ▪ Potential for impacts on reasonably foreseeable upgrades to public infrastructure

Priorities for ▪ Describe the demographic and social character of residential communities ▪ Sections 3 to 5 characterisin near the project. g the existing ▪ Identify existing and reasonably foreseeable land uses and businesses environment occupying land to be traversed by, adjacent to, or otherwise affected by impacts from the project. ▪ Identify tourism and recreation use within or nearby the project. ▪ Identify strategic plans specifying or encouraging land use outcomes for land to be occupied by the project.

Assessment ▪ Identify implications for communities, current land uses and businesses, ▪ Sections 6 to 8 of likely including fisheries and tourism, and immediately foreseeable changes in land ▪ Technical effects use. Reports B, E, F, ▪ Assess the potential effects of construction activities on existing traffic and I, J road conditions, including amenity and accessibility impacts. ▪ Identify potential long and short-term effects of the project on existing public infrastructure and fire and emergency management ▪ Identify potential long and short-term economic effects of the project, considering direct and indirect consequences on employment and local and regional economy, including fisheries, agriculture, business and tourism.

Design and ▪ Demonstrate whether the project is consistent with relevant planning scheme ▪ Sections 6 to 8 mitigation provisions and other relevant policies (including approved management plans ▪ Technical measures for adjacent public land/ reserves). Reports B, E, F, ▪ Outline measures to minimise potential adverse effects of the project and I, J

enhance benefits to the community and local businesses, including fisheries and tourism.

Performance ▪ Describe proposed measures to mitigate, offset or manage social, land use, ▪ Sections 6 to 8 objectives marine use and economic outcomes for communities living within and visiting ▪ Technical the project area and its environs as well as proposed measures to enhance Reports B, E, F, beneficial outcomes. I, J Source: Scoping Requirements for Golden Beach Gas Project (April 2020)

Scope of the SIA

The scope of the SIA was determined as follows:

▪ The scoping requirements for the Project were reviewed (see Table 2-1).

▪ Risk Assessment - Prior to commencement of the SIA, a risk assessment process was undertaken by AECOM, the lead author of the EES. The risk assessment identified potential physical changes associated with the Project, which have potential to generate social impacts.1

▪ Stakeholder and community engagement – prior to commencement and through the development of the SIA, GB Energy conducted community forums and targeted consultation with various landholders and other community groups. The stakeholder and community engagement process identified potential physical changes associated with the Project of concern to different individuals and social groups.

The scoping requirements, technical risk assessments and stakeholder and community engagement were used to identify potential change mechanisms of relevance to the SIA, the spatial range over which social effects may be experienced and in turn a study area for the SIA (see Table 2-2). The scoping phase also contributed to the identification of community resources and social receptors. Notwithstanding, the scope of the SIA remained open to review throughout the process, to ensure that no relevant potential impacts were omitted.

Table 2-2: Scoping the SIA

Social Effect Project Spatial Range Receptor Stage Altered access and amenity. Construction Private and public ▪ Occupants of nearby Dwellings & Operation land, waters and ▪ Residents and visitors to Golden Beach facilities within 1 to ▪ Users of public land, waters and facilities 2 kilometres of the including: works • Beach users • Campers • Users of nearby community facilities Occupation of private land. Land traversed by ▪ Owners and occupiers of directly affected the pipeline works land. Occupation of public land Land traversed by ▪ Users of directly affected land. the pipeline works Altered socio-economic Study Area ▪ Residents and visitors to Golden Beach conditions

1 A standalone social impact risk assessment was not undertaken. This course was chosen as changes with potential to generate social impacts (some of which were assessed and quantified by other specialists, such as construction noise) were deemed to be planned changes for the purpose of the SIA. That is, the likelihood that these changes would occur was assumed to be certain in the SIA, making the risk assessment process unnecessary.

Study area

The social effects of the Project would be concentrated in areas in close proximity to the proposed infrastructure and in settlements where construction workers would take residence. These areas comprise the Study Area for the SIA (refer to Figure 1-2) and are the focus of the existing conditions section of the SIA (refer to Sections 3 to 6). In some cases, community resources potentially affected by the Project are used by people who live beyond the study area and the impacts for affected individuals and social groups are also assessed as part of the SIA.

2.3 Data collection

Data to support the social impact assessment was compiled using a number of primary and secondary sources, including:

▪ ABS statistics and other relevant secondary data sources (referenced as required throughout the report).

▪ Technical assessments prepared for the EES including assessment of potential noise and vibration impacts, visual impacts, etc.

▪ A site visit including to Golden Beach (March 2020).

▪ Data provided by GB Energy regarding the number and type of properties that would be directly affected by the Pipeline Works, current land use of these properties and the concerns of owners and occupiers.

▪ Data generated through the stakeholder and community engagement conducted by GB Energy during the preparation of the EES.

▪ Attendance at a public information session delivered by the proponent (at the Golden Beach Golf Club in March 2020.

▪ Interviews (conducted between January 2020 and May 2020) with representatives of: • Central Gippsland Water Corporation

• Parks Victoria

• Golden Paradise Beach Ratepayers & Residents Association Inc

• Robyn Toogood Real Estate Pty Ltd

▪ Directly affected landholders were invited to participate in the SIA process via an interview (in person or via phone). A letter was sent to the relevant landholders in early April 2020 advising them of the opportunity to contribute to the SIA (see Appendix 1). A project update was also issued in early May 2020 inviting community members and landholders to contact Public Place to participate in the SIA process. One landholder took up the opportunity to be interviewed.

▪ The nature of changes and impacts for landholders along the alignment was also explored in a workshop with the GB Energy team. Team members were familiar with the relevant landholders/land holdings and in many cases had undertaken site visits and face to face interactions with the affected landholders.

2.4 Assessing significance

The significance of identified social impacts has been assessed considering the magnitude of social effects likely to generate impacts and the sensitivity of social receptors to these effects. Following Rowan (2009):

The SIA uses Table 2-3 to guide the description and rating of impacts. It should be noted that the magnitude of a particular change and the sensitivity of receptors to this change may vary with respect to the factors set out in Table 2-3 (for example, a very large change may only affect a small number of individuals). While the SIA literature identifies the factors set out in Table 2-3 as relevant to the consideration of significance, the relative importance of each factor varies depending on the nature of particular effects and impacts and the characteristics of the community in which it is located. As a result, the attribution of significance is ultimately a matter of judgement.

Further to the above, significance ratings provided in the SIA reflect the overall level of disruption caused by different aspects of the Project. However, the way that different individuals experience change varies and the ratings do not imply that the experience of all affected individuals will be equivalent. In this context, the ratings are provided to give the reader a sense of the relative importance of impacts and draw attention to the impacts which should be given greatest weight in the net-community benefit assessment.

Table 2-3: Assessing the significance of social impacts

Significance Experience of change Intensity Duration Extent Sensitivity Adaptive Capacity Extremely Change is considered Receptors have little to Very large change Greater Affects parties Negative/ unacceptable/ no capacity and means relative to baseline than 10 across a wider Positive necessary. to cope with/without conditions. years area. changes. Negative/ Change is considered Receptors have limited Large change 3-10 years Affects parties Positive detrimental/highly capacity and means to relative to baseline across a wider beneficial. cope with/without conditions. district (such changes. as an LGA). Moderate Change is considered Receptors have some Considerable 1 to 3 Affects many Negative/ undesirable/ capacity and means to change relative to years within a local Positive beneficial. cope with/without baseline conditions. community. changes Minor Change is considered Receptors have capacity Noticeable change 3 months Affects Negative/ somewhat and means to cope relative to baseline to 1 year discrete Positive acceptable/desirable. with/without changes. conditions. sections of a local community Negligible Change is neither Receptors are Little to no change Less than Affects a small desired or resisted by unaffected. relative to baseline 3 months number of social receptors. conditions. individuals. Source: Adapted from Rowan (2009)

PART 2 - EXISTING CONDITIONS

Part 2 of the SIA provides an overview of existing conditions within the study area. Part 2 comprises three sections:

▪ Policy context

▪ Population and settlement

▪ Community resources.

3 Policy Context

3.1 Introduction

This section provides an overview of state and local policies and plans of potential relevance to the SIA.

3.2 State and regional plans and polices

Strategic Plans A Fairer Victoria

A Fairer Victoria - Real Support, Real Gains (May 2010) is a current iteration of the policy statement ‘A Fairer Victoria’, which was released by the State Government in 2004. A Fairer Victoria is the highest-level social policy adopted by the Victorian Government. The policy indicates that the Government aims to reduce disadvantage and ensure more Victorians have the opportunity, capability, and support to lead active, fulfilling lives. A Fairer Victoria outlines a number of objectives including:

▪ Increasing access to universal services - Access to universal services – maternal and child health, kindergarten, education and health – provides the basis for reducing disadvantage and improving health and wellbeing.

▪ Reducing barriers to opportunity - To take advantage of the opportunities around them, people need a range of personal capabilities (skills, health, social networks), mobility, and access to facilities and services.

▪ Support for disadvantaged groups - We are creating targeted programs and building stronger partnerships with people who need extra help to fulfil their potential – people with a disability, people experiencing mental illness, Indigenous Victorians, refugees and vulnerable young people.

▪ Supporting high needs places - Some places in Victoria have experienced deep disadvantage over a long period due to the compounding effects of unemployment, poor services and infrastructure, low education levels and poor health. Victoria’s Regional Statement (2015)

Victoria’s Regional Statement identifies the diverse aspects of Victoria’s regional economy, including food, fibre, tourism, manufacturing and natural resources. The Statement identifies that Government supports ‘sustainable enterprises such as nature-based tourism, resource recovery / recycling industries and clean and innovative industries that have a natural home in the regions, such as new energy technology.’

The Statement specifically identifies the Gippsland region as traditionally deriving its growth from ‘its strengths in natural resources, energy, agriculture and forestry, manufacturing and tourism’. In addition, ‘the region produces around 90 per cent of Victoria’s electricity, 97 per cent of Victoria’s natural gas.’

Gippsland Regional Plan 2015-2020

The Plan articulates a strategic vision for Gippsland and describes the desired outcomes for the region. The achievement of the vision and the desired outcomes is supported by four strategic themes:

▪ Economic Prosperity

▪ Education and Community Wellbeing

▪ Natural Environment Stewardship

▪ Connectivity

▪ Under the theme of Economic Prosperity, the Plan indicates a desire to increase visitation to Gippsland (domestic and international), through development of new experiences that leverage the region’s key assets, and improving existing experiences and investment in related infrastructure.

Planning Policy Framework

The Planning Policy Framework (PPF) seeks to ensure that land use and development in Victoria meet the objectives of planning as set out in the P&E Act. The PPF is general in nature and is often used to guide more specific planning policies within a municipality. A full review of the PPF is provided in Technical Report J, Land Use Planning.

3.3 Local plans and polices

Strategic Plans Wellington 2030

Wellington 2030 sets out the community of Wellington Shire’s vision for the future of their municipality, namely: Happy people, healthy environment and thriving communities in the heart of Gippsland. The document also includes more specific vision statements and goals under five themes:

▪ Theme 1: Communities - We know and support each other and have a strong sense of community belonging. Diversity is respected and there are many social and community activities providing opportunities for all people to interact. We strive for good health, feel safe in our communities and are prepared for natural disasters.

▪ Theme 2: Services and Infrastructure - Wellington has a built environment that is sustainable, appropriate, accessible and responsive to the community. Transport connects people to communities and places. Events and services support our strong communities.

▪ Theme 3: Natural Environment - Wellington’s natural environment and landscape is clean, diverse, beautiful, accessible and protected.

▪ Theme 4: Lifelong Learning - Wellington has a broad choice of local training, education and holistic learning and development options that lead to meaningful employment and personal fulfilment.

▪ Theme 5: Economy - Wellington has a wealth of diverse industries providing employment opportunities for all. There is growth in the Wellington population and economy which is balanced with the preservation of our natural environment and connected communities.

The Council Plan 2017 – 21, sets out the specific actions that will be taken to achieve the vision set out in Wellington 2030. Community Facilities Framework (2016)

Through the Wellington Community Facilities Framework (2016), Council aims to ensure that community facilities within the municipality continue to meet the expectations and needs of all current and future residents. The framework also provides a review and assessment of the current provision of community facilities in the Shire and guides decision-making regarding future provision. Public Open Space Plan 2014-2024

The Wellington Shire Public Open Space Plan aims to ensure that communities are engaged with, valuing and using a diverse range of sustainable open spaces that are safe to use, are welcoming, engaging and accessible. These spaces will be well distributed and connected, increase the biodiversity of our urban centres and provide quality POS that makes a significant contribution to the health and wellbeing of our communities, the liveability of our urban centres and a significant contribution to our Wellington 2030 strategic vision.

Following an audit and needs assessment, with the respect to Paradise Beach and Golden Beach the Plan identifies the following open space assets

▪ Town Park - Adjacent to the Community Centre is a small area of public open space compromising a play space, landscaping, central lawn area, car park, public toilets, BBQ and BBQ shelter.

▪ Veronica Maybury Recreation Reserve - focussed on active recreation and pleasant walks.

▪ Town Entry - The town entry to Golden Beach is probably the most interesting and unique entry of any coastal town in Wellington. The existing Norfolk Island Pine planted centre median is an attractive element of the main street.

▪ Ninety Mile Beach and Foreshore reserve – Managed by Parks Victoria and is the primary POS and attractor for the area.

The Public Open Space Plan concludes that existing public open space in Golden Beach and Paradise beach is suitable, particularly as the Ninety-Mile Beach is the primary public open space and attractor for the area. Improving the service levels and standards of existing areas is the priority of the Plan.

Local Planning Policy Framework Clause 21.02 (Key Issues and Influences)

Clause 21.02 identifies the key issues and influences that shape the strategic directions and planning controls of the municipality. Relevant issues and influences include:

▪ The value of the Shire’s agricultural sector will be diminished if high quality agricultural land is fragmented and lost from production.

▪ The Shire’s ecological and landscape features are important State and national assets.

▪ The Shire’s coastal and riverine environments are sensitive to inappropriate development and can be easily and irreversibly damaged.

▪ The Shire’s coastal landscapes are highly sensitive to visible changes, such as inappropriately scaled or sited built form or changes to the existing vegetation patterns.

▪ The Shire has areas of high value biodiversity habitat.

▪ The Shire contains areas of land that are liable to flooding and susceptible to fire.

▪ The natural resource base provides a significant economic opportunity for the Shire

▪ The Shire’s cultural and heritage features are important State and national assets.’ Clause 22.08 - Ninety Mile Beach Policy

The Ninety Mile Beach Policy applies to the use, development and subdivision of land along the Ninety Mile Beach between the Honeysuckles and Paradise Beach. The policy responds to the reality that much of the land within the Ninety Mile Beach coastal subdivision is unsuitable for development.

Of greatest relevance to the SIA, the policy allows for residential development within defined settlement nodes at Golden Beach and Paradise Beach (see Figure 3-1), Delray Beach, and the Honeysuckles and encourages the development of the Golden Beach town centre for the purposes of retailing and other complementary commercial, entertainment and community uses. The policy discourages urban development within areas designated as rural conservation. Coastal Areas Strategic Framework

Clause 21.12 sets out a vision for Golden Beach and Paradise Beach as a residential holiday township, set in coastal bushland, which has an active ‘village centre’, which is the focal point for the community with high quality public spaces and commercial uses for local and visitor needs

Clause 21.12 also contains the Golden Beach/Paradise Beach Coastal Settlement Boundary Plan, which (as intimated in the Ninety Mile Beach Policy - Clause 22.08) defines the spatial extent of the Golden Beach and Paradise beach settlements (refer to Figure 3-1 & Figure 5-1). Also of relevance to the SIA, Clause 21.12 sets out the following objectives for Golden Beach and Paradise Beach:

▪ Objective 1 - To create a functional town centre: • Facilitate the establishment of a mixed-use development area based around a village square (corner Surf Edge Drive and Shoreline Drive) that would include commercial, community and residential uses when a reticulated sewerage system is available.

• Provide for commercial development in the town centre with a Commercial 1 Zone when a reticulated sewerage system is available.

▪ Objective 3 - To contain urban development within defined settlement boundaries. • Facilitate development in accordance with the Golden Beach/Paradise Beach Coastal Settlement Boundary Plan

Figure 3-1: Golden Beach/Paradise Beach Coastal Settlement Boundary Plan

3.4 Implications for the SIA

The policies outlined above suggest a need to balance objectives such as delivery of urban land and settlements which provide adequate access to services and employment and which facilitate tourism, with a desire to retain and enhance the unique physical and ecological characteristics of the Study Area, and protect productive agricultural areas. To this end, local planning polices confine urban development within defined settlements, and investment in community facilities and services likewise, is to be focussed within these identified urban nodes.

4 Population Characteristics and Trends

4.1 Introduction

The Project is located in close proximity to the coastal settlements of Golden Beach and Paradise Beach and traverses rural land between Golden Beach and Longford, near Sale (see Figure 1-2). This Section provides an overview of the size and characteristics of the population of these areas. As the Golden Beach and Paradise Beach settlements are physically proximate and socially and economically connected, they are discussed together.

4.2 Population size and growth

As at 2016, the population of Golden Beach and Paradise Beach was 444, a notable increase from 2011, when the population was 330 people (refer to Table 4-1). Over the period 2011 to 2016, the number of dwellings in Golden Beach and Paradise Beach increased from 568 to 713. Population projections are not produced for Golden Beach and Paradise Beach. However, there are many undeveloped residential blocks in Golden Beach and Paradise Beach, and potential for increased dwelling occupancy, if long term holiday home owners choose to take-up permanent residence as they retire. As a result, incremental growth in the population of Golden Beach and Paradise Beach is likely to continue.

There is no official source of data on visitation to Golden Beach and Paradise Beach. However, anecdotal information2 indicates that virtually all dwellings are occupied during the summer and Easter periods, as are available campsites and Recreational Vehicle (RV) sites. During these periods, the population of Golden Beach and Paradise Beach can swell to 3,000 to 3,500 people. Relatively few of the holiday homes in Golden Beach and Paradise Beach are made available as short stay accommodation, but rather are used by owners periodically over the course of the year.

Table 4-1: Population Trends and Projections – selected areas

2011 2016 2031 Golden Beach & Paradise Beach (UCL) 330 444 ‘Rural’ 405 425 Longford 919 1,132 Sale (SA2) 14,259 14,891 16,402 Wellington (S) 41,440 43,530 47,690

Source: ABS Quickstats 2020, VIF 2020

The ‘Rural Area’ was only sparsely populated as at 2016, with a population of 425 people distributed over a wide area. Land in the Rural Area is primarily zoned Farming Zone (FZ) or Public Use Zone (PUZ), limiting the potential for population growth in this area.

The urban settlements of Longford (1,132 people) and Sale (14,891) are located to the west of the Project. An official population forecast is not available for Longford. However, Longford’s population grew

2 Gathered via interviews with representatives of Robyn Toogood Real Estate Pty Ltd; the Golden Paradise Beach Ratepayers & Residents Association Inc; and Parks Victoria.

at 4.3% per annum between 2011 and 2016, a higher rate than observed for Sale and Wellington Shire as a whole. Sale’s population also grew between 2001 and 2016, and further growth is projected to 2031 (increase of 1,500 people at 0.6% per annum).

4.3 Community Profile

Table 4-2 presents demographic data for Golden Beach and Paradise Beach and the Rural Area, as well as for Sale (the nearest major service centre) and Regional Victoria. The data shows that:

▪ At the time of the last Census, approximately 29.0% of dwellings in Golden Beach and Paradise Beach were occupied, suggesting many existing dwellings are used as holiday homes.

▪ With respect to Golden Beach and Paradise Beach’s permanent residents, median age was high (61), many of the households were couple or lone person households (81.2%), labour force participation was low, and individual and household incomes were low. Moreover, a high proportion of residents reported requiring assistance with daily activities (a measure of disability). These characteristics are consistent with a population comprised largely of retirees and/or semi-retired persons.

▪ Notwithstanding, the proximity of Golden Beach to Sale makes the location a potentially viable lifestyle option for those wishing to live near the coast and also in relatively close proximity to urban amenities and employment. As a result, there are a variety of households living in Golden Beach, including those with members engaged in the workforce, families with children, etc.

▪ ‘Tourism’ is not an industry in the conventional sense and therefore data on employment in tourism are not collected as part of the Census.3 Notwithstanding, a slightly higher proportion of the Golden Beach and Paradise Beach workforce are employed in industries which are potentially sensitive to fluctuations in tourist visitation (such as Accommodation and Food Services) than the comparison areas.

▪ The occupancy rate for dwellings in the Rural Area was also relatively low, compared with Sale and Regional Victoria as a whole.

▪ However, unlike Golden Beach and Paradise Beach, workforce participation in the Rural Area was similar to Sale and Regional Victoria as a whole, and a relatively large proportion of workers were employed in Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing. In the rural area household structure, incomes, etc. were comparable with Sale and Regional Victoria, although the population of the Rural Area was slightly older.

▪ Overall, the Census data indicates that the population of the ‘Rural Area’ is comprised largely of working households (many including children) who find employment in primary industries and/or who enjoy living within a rural landscape in close proximity to a major service centre (Sale).

3 That is, whether production is included in the scope of tourism (or not) depends on the characteristics of the consumer. For example, expenditure on a restaurant meal by a visitor contributes to tourism’s share of the economy, whereas expenditure by a local resident at the same restaurant does not.

Consistent with commentary above, the SEIFA Index4 shows that residents of the Rural Area are relatively affluent (Decile 5). In contrast, Golden and Paradise Beach are ranked in Decile 1, consistent with the presence of an extensive retiree community (refer to Figure 4-1).

Figure 4-1: SEIFA Index of Disadvantage

4 The socio-economic index for areas (SEIFA) is a product developed by the ABS that ranks areas in Australia according to relative socio-economic advantage and disadvantage (areas ranked in decile 1 being among the most disadvantaged 10% of areas, areas ranked in decile 10 being among the least disadvantaged 10% of areas).

Table 4-2: Selected demographic indicators

Golden/ Paradise Rural Sale Regional Vic Beach 0 to 4 1.1% 3.8% 6.6% 5.8% 5 to 11 3.0% 8.5% 9.0% 8.7% 12 to 17 2.9% 7.1% 7.3% 7.4% 18 to 24 1.6% 4.8% 8.1% 7.9% AGE 25 to 34 4.9% 8.6% 12.5% 10.9% 35 to 49 19.3% 14.7% 18.3% 18.1% 50 to 69 51.2% 40.6% 24.9% 27.3% 70+ 16.0% 11.9% 13.2% 13.8% Median Age 61 51 40 43 Household Size 1.7 2.3 2.3 2.4 Lone Person Household 40.1% 32.8% 31.8% 29.0% HOUSEHOLDS Group Household 4.1% 1.7% 2.8% 3.1% Family Household 55.8% 65.6% 65.4% 68.0% Couple family no children 41.1% 38.5% 26.6% 29.2% Couple family with children 9.3% 23.8% 26.5% 26.9% FAMILIES One parent family 5.4% 3.3% 11.5% 11.0% Other family 0.0% 0.0% 0.8% 0.9% Unemployment Rate 18.1% 5.4% 6.9% 6.0% Labour Force Participation 36.4% 58.4% 60.5% 56.1% Completed Year 12 26.5% 33.9% 44.1% 43.4% EMPLOYMENT Bachelor Degree or Higher 4.7% 7.2% 14.9% 14.5% AND TRAINING White Collar 25.0% 34.0% 31.9% 32.5% Ag, Forestry and Fishing 3.8% 20.0% 4.1% 8.0% Tourism Sensitive 19.0% 15.5% 15.0% 14.8% Median Personal Income $402 $585 $606 $576 Personal Income <$400 49.6% 36.3% 32.2% 33.4% WEEKLY INCOME Median Household Income $644 $1,083 $1,171 $1,124 Household Income <$650 50.3% 17.7% 25.5% 25.7% Separate house 100.0% 100.0% 85.0% 90.3% Semi-detached, townhouse 0.0% 0.0% 9.1% 6.9% DWELLINGS Flat, unit or apartment 0.0% 0.0% 5.9% 2.8% Occupied 29.0% 56.5% 87.1% 82.9% Fully owned 54.1% 45.5% 34.2% 39.3% Being purchased 30.4% 38.2% 31.7% 34.6% TENURE Rented 15.5% 16.3% 33.4% 26.1% Public/Social Housing 0.0% 0.0% 5.6% 3.7% Born Overseas 22.0% 11.0% 12.1% 12.0% ETHNICITY Speaks other language 9.0% 1.7% 5.9% 6.7% Poor or no English 1.7% 0.0% 0.9% 1.1% CARS Household Owns a Car 97.0% 95.0% 91.7% 94.4% DISABILITY Needs Assistance 11.6% 4.0% 6.5% 6.0% INTERNET Internet accessed @ dwelling 71.4% 84.0% 81.3% 80.4% SAME ADDRESS As 5 Years Ago 52.9% 63.5% 56.9% 61.4%

Source ABS Census 2016

5 Community Resources

This section describes the community resources relied on or enjoyed by individuals and groups who live in or visit locations potentially affected by the Project.

5.1 Land and Housing

Land and housing are key community resources and a substantial asset for owners. Housing and land provide shelter and support lifestyle aspirations and commercial enterprise.

The Project traverses 109 separate land holdings. Of these, 62 are owned or crown land administered by a government entity. The remaining 47 parcels are privately owned. The housing and land potentially affected by the Project is described further below. Golden Beach

Near Golden Beach, the Project traverses land within the Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park (discussed below) and then moves onto land forming part of the Ninety Mile Beach Subdivision. Within the subdivision, the Project traverses 79 blocks which will be included in the Application for Pipeline Licence under the Pipelines Act 2005. As discussed previously, large parts of the Ninety Mile Beach Subdivision have been deemed unsuitable for development, including all blocks traversed by the Project, and development of these blocks is now prohibited.

Wellington Shire owns 20 of the blocks directly affected by the Project, having acquired these as part of a voluntary buy back scheme. Central Gippsland Region Water Corporation (CGRWC) owns 27, these lots are clustered around Shellback Way and are zoned for public use. The plots were purchased by CGRWC to enable construction and maintenance of the Duston Downs outfall pipeline, which was constructed in the early 1990s. The remaining 32 parcels are privately owned, of which 14 landowners are not able to be located or contacted.

All lots within the subdivision which are directly affected by the Project are vacant. With respect to these vacant lots, Council local laws permit camping on the land for a total of 28 days per annum, which represents the maximum benefit that can be derived from their ownership. In the case of the affected lots, use of the land for camping is inhibited by poor access and dense vegetation (clearance of which is restricted). One of the owners of the affected lots was interviewed as part of the SIA. The individual expressed frustration regarding their inability to develop their land, and indicated that they visit the property periodically.

The Golden Beach coastal settlement is located to the north-east of the Project, its southernmost extent being within approximately 160 metres. This southern part of Golden Beach is only sparsely populated, and as a result there are only a handful of dwellings located in close proximity to the Project (four within 500 metres, one of which was under construction at the time of writing) (see Figure 5-1). The majority of dwellings in Golden Beach are located north of Marine Drive (1.5 kilometres north of the Project) and the Golden Beach commercial centre is located 3.8 kilometres north of the Project. There is also one dwelling located approximately 300 metres to the south-west of the Project on land zoned RCZ. This dwelling was

constructed prior to the introduction of development prohibitions and the owners enjoy an existing use right in relation to the dwelling.

Figure 5-1: Land and Dwellings Near the Project – Golden Beach Central Gippsland Region Water Corporation Land

Having crossed land within the Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park and Ninety Mile Beach subdivision, the Project moves through land owned and/or managed by the CGRWC (9 properties). This land is zoned for Public Use and accommodates a number of water treatment assets and a commercial farming operation. Public access to the land is prohibited. Rural Land

In its final section, the Project crosses agricultural land near Longford (18 properties). This land supports a variety of uses, including beef production and equine activities, as well as forestry. There are six dwellings in the rural area located within one kilometre of the Project (and one located 1.2km from the Project).

Figure 5-2: Land and Dwellings Near the Project – Rural Area

5.2 Community Facilities and Events

Golden Beach

The Golden Beach town centre is located along Surf Edge Drive near the intersection with Shoreline Drive. The centre includes a general store, café, ‘community nursery’ and two real-estate agents. There is also a cluster of community facilities in the town centre. These include, the Golden Beach Community Hall, Golden and Paradise Beach Bowls Club, Golden Beach Golf Course, Golden Beach Picnic Area (includes children playground and BBQs), and public toilets. The Ninety Mile Beach can be accessed from the town centre via the Golden Beach Picnic Area.

The businesses operating within the town centre provide for the convenience shopping needs of residents and visitors to Golden Beach and Paradise Beach and are described by some local residents as the ‘heart of the town’. While these businesses are not focussed necessarily on serving the needs of tourists, trade generated by visitors to Golden Beach during peak periods underpins the viability of these businesses, and supports their continued service of the permanent residential community.

The Golden Paradise Beach Ratepayers & Residents Association Inc (‘Ratepayers Association’) has initiated a number of projects in the Golden Beach town centre aimed at attracting visitors to the township and promoting healthy lifestyles. These include the establishment of the Golden Beach Community Nursery and an RV rest area. The Rate Payers Association has also developed a ‘Town Centre Plan’ for Golden Beach, which outlines further physical improvement projects for the Golden Beach township.

The Ratepayers Association also holds the annual Golden Beach ‘End of Summer Surf Festival’ each Easter (refer to Figure 5-3). The festival occurs over three-days and includes a number of events and activities including a hole in one competition at the Golden Beach Golf Club, an Easter egg hunt and a Saturday market. The most significant activity held as part of the End of Summer Surf Festival is the Golden Beach Surf Fishing Competition, which has been running annually for over 60 years. Attendance at the End of Summer Surf Festival ranges from 2,000 to 4,000 people depending on weather conditions, and entries to the fishing competition range from 700 to 900. The Ratepayers Association reports that the End of Summer Surf Festival provides a significant boost to the town’s economy. During the festival, most homes are occupied and campsites along Shoreline Drive are well utilised. The festival also attracts day trippers from Sale, Lochsport and Longford.

Figure 5-3: Promotional Flyer for Golden Beach ‘End of Summer Surf Festival’

Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park

The stretch of coastline near Golden Beach forms part of the Ninety Mile Beach and the beach and associated dune system are contained within the Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park. Near Golden Beach, the beach and dune system are largely undeveloped and from the beach there are no visible land-based structures.

Surf fishing is a popular activity along sections of the Ninety Mile Beach near Golden Beach. Water conditions are not particularly favourable for boating, swimming and surfing, etc, although these activities do occur. There are no boat ramps near the Project, although recreational fishers are known to carry small ‘tinnies’ over the sand dunes in order to access the beach, with the sand dune clearing at Delray Beach providing one of the more suitable access points.

There are 19 unpowered campgrounds located within the Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park along Shoreline Drive, to the south of Golden Beach commercial centre (refer to Figure 5-4 and 5-5). Collectively the camping grounds provide 65 campsites suitable for tents only; 50 campsites suitable for both tent or caravan; and six campsites suitable for campervans (120 in total). Each campsite can accommodate up to six people and one vehicle. Campsites cannot be booked, and sites are available on a first in, first-served basis. Dogs are allowed at sites 1-6 and flush toilets are available at all campgrounds except 3, 5, 8 and 9. Campground 6 and campground 7 are in closest proximity to the Project footprint.

The Shoreline Drive campgrounds are well utilised during summer, and typically all sites are occupied from Christmas to Australia Day and over the Easter period. Use outside of these peak periods is more sporadic and during winter typically only a handful of sites are occupied at any one time.

Figure 5-4: Campground C6 – Shoreline Drive

Figure 5-5: Community Facilities – Golden Beach

Rural Area

No community facilities or points of congregation were identified in the ‘rural area’ within 2 kilometres of the Project.

Sale

Sale is a major service centre serving residents of the Study Area and beyond. Sale incorporates a large commercial centre, and accommodates numerous community facilities and services, including schools, childcare, a hospital and other medical services. Of particular relevance to the SIA, there are numerous providers of short-term accommodation in Sale, including hotels and motels and a caravan park. To illustrate, Table 5-1 shows the number of hotel/motel rooms and beds available in Sale within larger establishments (15 or more rooms). As the Table shows, there are 312 rooms available in Sale, providing 820 beds. Across the 2015/16 financial year, occupancy ranged from 44% to 47% for rooms and 22% to 23% for beds.

Other short terms accommodation options include the Sale Motor Village, which offers a mix of cabins and powered and unpowered sites.

Table 5-1: Short Term Accommodation Sale - Establishments with 15 or more rooms

Number Occupancy Rooms 312 44% to 47% Bed 820 22% to 23% Source: ABS Cat 8635.0

PART 3 – ASSESSMENT

Part 3 of the SIA provides an assessment of the social impacts associated with the Project. Part 3 comprises four sections:

▪ Impacts during construction.

▪ Impacts during operation.

▪ Impacts during decommissioning.

▪ Summary and conclusion.

6 Impacts During Construction

6.1 Introduction

This section identifies the social effects (objective changes) and social impacts (subjective experiences of change) which would arise during the construction period. The assessment of impacts assumes that mitigation measures set out in other technical reports forming part of the EES are implemented. Additional mitigation measures are recommended in relation to each of the identified impacts with a rating of minor or greater.

Construction of the Project would bring about three types of change with the potential to generate impacts: occupation of land (alienating current beneficial uses), alterations to amenity (potentially interfering with current beneficial uses) and changes to socio-economic conditions. While the related impacts are discussed separately, it is possible that particular receptors may be affected by more than one of these change mechanisms.

The nature of proposed construction activities, as well the range and sensitivity of potentially affected social receptors varies significantly across the Study Area. For this reason, effects and impacts are discussed separately for Golden Beach, the CGRWC Land and the Rural Area (see Figure 1-2).

6.2 Land Occupation Changes

The Project would involve the temporary occupation of land within the nominated construction ROW. The ROW varies in width from approximately 20 to 30 metres in sections where the underground pipeline is being constructed. The compressor station will be 500m x 500m, and represents the largest footprint for the Project. The construction period would last for up to 12 months although particular construction tasks would vary in terms of the time they take, and access to affected land would be restricted for greater or lesser amounts of time in particular locations. Land affected by construction activities would be remediated immediately once construction is completed, although full rehabilitation may take up to two years, depending on ground conditions. Compensation would be available to all land-holders whose land is directly affected by the ROW to ensure that the construction process will not result in any financial disadvantage. Impacts

Impacts for particular social receptors are outlined in Table 6-1 below.

All landholders affected by land occupation have been consulted by GB Energy and negotiations regarding the alignment of the proposed pipeline, compensation for occupation of land, etc. are ongoing. GB Energy reports that, as far as practicable, landholder feedback regarding the Project has been taken into account in the planning of the pipeline alignment and siting of above ground infrastructure.

Affected private landholders were contacted as part of the SIA process and given the opportunity to outline any concerns they may have about the Project. Only one landholder took up this opportunity. This likely reflects the nature of the land holdings traversed by the Project, which include undeveloped blocks within the Ninety Mile Beach Subdivision, land held by a public water authority which is not accessible to the public, and relatively large rural holdings, many of which have existing pipeline easements and/or are held by large corporations.

As indicated in Table 6-1, for most receptors, impacts arising due to land occupation would be negligible. In the rural area, a small number (7) of land holdings would be affected which are occupied by and/or used by farming families. For the affected families, it likely that the consequences of the occupation of land can be effectively managed and/or adequately compensated for (and no concerns were raised directly by the land-holders). However, each of the affected families/businesses will need to engage with the Project, placing an impost on personal time (a minor negative impact). Mitigation

The following mitigation measures should be considered in addition to those outlined elsewhere in the EES:

▪ Consult with directly affected landholders to ensure impacts associated with the construction phase are minimised and/or that compensation reflects and takes into account the specific impacts on each landholder.

▪ Develop 'Property Management Plans' in consultation with landholders and occupiers of affected properties (which are currently used) to work collaboratively to minimise physical impacts during the construction and reinstatement works ('Property Management Plans' are not needed with respect to land parcels within the Ninety Mile Beach subdivision).

Table 6-1: Social impacts resulting from occupation of land during construction

Receptor Potential impacts Magnitude Importance Rating Golden Beach Owners of ▪ Most affected land holdings, including all except one in private ownership, are small and entirely ▪ Little to no change ▪ Neither desired ▪ Negligible undeveloped contained within the Project Area. As a result, the current use would be displaced during construction. ▪ Up to 12 months or resisted and blocks However, none of the affected blocks can be developed, and use rights are limited to 28 days of ▪ Small number of in some cases camping per year. Camping on the blocks is extremely rare, if it occurs at all, and there are free individuals beneficial. camping areas nearby. ▪ Receptors ▪ Private landholders would need to engage with the Project to negotiate compensation, etc. placing a have capacity minor impost on personal time. In this context, it is noted that the Project offers an opportunity for land- to cope holders to receive some income from land that otherwise would deliver little if any value. ▪ It is possible that at least some landholders harbour frustrations regarding the subdivision process and the fact that their land cannot be developed. ▪ Blocks held by Wellington Shire were purchased as part of a voluntary buy back scheme and currently support no public use. ▪ Blocks held by CGRW accommodate the Duston Downs outfall pipeline. Construction of the Project would not prohibit the conduct of essential maintenance to the outfall pipeline if and when this is required. Users of ▪ A 30-metre-wide ROW would be established across the Ninety Mile Beach and dune system to allow ▪ Noticeable change ▪ Somewhat ▪ Negligible Gippsland the ‘pull and return’ operation. This ROW would be in place for 3 – 7 days. ▪ 1 week acceptable Lakes Coastal ▪ The affected section of the dunes does not accommodate a camping area, and supports little to no ▪ Small number of ▪ Receptors Park. public use. The affected section of beach is some distance from concentrations of housing within individuals have capacity Golden Beach, and 3.8 kilometres from the town centre. There are a handful of dwellings and camping to cope grounds near the ROW and occupants may make use of the beach near the ROW. However, most beneficial uses of the beach would not depend on north-south access along the coastline and could continue. Pedestrian access along the beach between campsites to the south of the ROW and Golden Beach would be severed. Given the length of the walk, it is unlikely that affected campers would regularly access the town centre Golden Beach via the beach (8+ kilometre return trip). CGRWC Land CGRWC ▪ Construction of the onshore gas pipeline would require establishment of an approximately 30m wide ▪ Little to no change ▪ Neither desired ▪ Negligible Clients ROW on CGRWC land for a distance of 9 kilometres. Infrastructure on the land supports provision of ▪ Up to 12 months or resisted essential services to a regional catchment. The land cannot be accessed by the public. The pipeline ▪ Parties across a ▪ Receptors alignment has been agreed with CGRWC to ensure no interruption to their operations. CGRWC could wider area unaffected continue its operations on the land.

Receptor Potential impacts Magnitude Importance Rating Rural Land ▪ A number of the land holdings traversed by the Project in the rural area are held by large corporations, ▪ Noticeable change ▪ Neither desired ▪ Negligible Large which provide goods and services to local, state and international markets. These include BHP, ESSO ▪ Up to 12 months or resisted Businesses and APA. These landholders would have the resources and skills to engage direct with GB Energy ▪ Parties across a ▪ Receptors regarding the terms under which land occupation can proceed. The interests of these corporations, wider area unaffected their shareholders and clients would not be negatively affected without due compensation and the scale of any disruption would be small in the context of their larger operations. ▪ Of the land holdings traversed by the Project in the rural area, 7 are owned/occupied by farming ▪ Noticeable change ▪ Somewhat ▪ Minor Small/Family families (6 families in total). While the effect of occupation on current beneficial uses of the affected ▪ Up to 12 months acceptable Negative Businesses land can likely be managed in an acceptable way, the construction process will place an impost on ▪ Small number of ▪ Receptors personal time, and may be the source of some irritation and stress. Two of the affected land holdings individuals have capacity accommodate dwellings and changes to access arrangements may be required. to cope.

6.3 Amenity Changes

The Project would involve a number of discrete construction activities, which have the potential to affect the amenity of nearby locations. In some locations, plant and equipment such as sea vessels, and machinery would be visible from nearby locations and construction noise would be audible. However, it is not expected that vibration or dust emissions from construction activities or changes to traffic conditions, would be of sufficient magnitude to generate material social impacts.

Table 1-2 provides an overview of the changes to amenity associated with each construction stage, and relevant changes are reiterated and/or explained further in Table 6-2, as they relate to the experience of the Project from the perspective of particular social receptors. The timing of construction activities is an important consideration in the context of potential changes to amenity, particularly given the seasonal pattern of visitation to Golden Beach. Figure 6-1 provides an indication of the likely timing of works.

Stage Mid 2021 Late 2021 Early 2022 Mid 2022 Offshore Drilling Offshore Pipeline Shore crossing (pipeline and facility) On Shore Pipeline – Early Works On Shore Pipeline Metering Facility Gas Compressor Station

Figure 6-1: Timing of construction activity. Impacts

Impacts for particular social receptors are outlined in Table 6-2 below.

The Project’s location limits the potential for construction activity to alter amenity for sensitive receivers, as does the proposed timing of certain construction activities (such as off-shore drilling which is programmed for the winter period). More specifically, the majority of dwellings and campsites available in Golden Beach are located more than one kilometre from proposed construction activities, and the Golden Beach town centre is located 3.8 kilometres to the north-east. Moreover, there are no community facilities in the rural area, and relatively few dwellings.

Notwithstanding, near Golden Beach there are five dwellings and two campgrounds (providing 12 sites), which are located close to the Project. As result:

▪ Intermittent construction noise, night-time lighting and traffic of varying intensity may be the source of minor irritation for a small number of dwelling occupants. At times during the construction period, enjoyment of outdoor areas may be affected and on limited occasions construction noise may interfere with indoor activities such as sleeping.

▪ Intermittent construction noise night-time lighting and traffic may interfere with use and enjoyment of campsites C6 and C7. Outside of peak periods (Christmas through January, as well as Easter), it is likely that campers could make use of an alternative campground along Shoreline Drive. However, in the peak periods, the Shoreline Drive campgrounds are heavily utilised, meaning that alternative camping opportunities may not be available locally. Holidays are a precious and highly

anticipated time of the year, and campers who visit the Shoreline Drive campsites would do so with a sense of excitement and high expectations relating to acoustic amenity. Depending on the sensitivity of particular campers, construction activity has the potential to reduce the enjoyment of their time away and/or prompt them to depart early.

▪ Reduced amenity at nearby dwellings and campsites would affect a small number of potential receivers and any consequent reduction in total visitation to Golden Beach would be minimal. Moreover, the amenity of the Golden Beach town centre would be unaffected. Likewise, the amenity of large sections of the Ninety Mile beach would be unaffected, including sections accessible to the majority of residents and visitors

▪ Construction of the offshore pipeline is currently programmed for early 2022. The Ratepayers Association is keen for Golden Beach to present at its best during this period and is averse to any construction occurring during the Golden Beach End of Summer Festival. While the construction of the offshore pipeline will be over a short period and would be unlikely to undermine the visitor experience, recent events including the 2019 bushfires and COVID -19 pandemic, have greatly reduced visitation to Golden Beach, intensifying concerns about any potential impact the Project may have on visitation and in particular, attendance at the festival Golden Beach End of Summer Festival. In the absence of a commitment to avoid construction during the Golden Beach End of Summer Festival, the Project has the potential to create tensions in the local community.

In the rural area, the relative absence of residences, buffer distances between residences and fixed construction sites (gas compressor station, metering facility and shore crossing facility) and the intermittent nature of pipeline construction, means that construction would have only minor implications for residential amenity. Affected residents would likely cope well with the proposed construction regime assuming construction noise and associated impacts are managed as per the recommendations set out in Technical Report F, Noise and Vibration. Mitigation

The following mitigation measures should be considered in addition to those outlined elsewhere in the EES:

▪ To the extent practicable, avoid on-shore construction in the vicinity of Golden Beach from Christmas to the end of January and during the Golden Beach End of Summer Festival (including one day either side of the festival) and/or program noisy works outside of these periods.

▪ To the extent practicable, restrict or avoid off-shore construction activities during the Golden Beach End of Summer Festival (including one day either side of the festival).

▪ Make information regarding programming of construction activity available to potentially affected stakeholders including nearby residents and potential users of campsites C6 and C7. It is noted that mitigation may be required as per Technical Report F – Noise and Vibration to manage potential impacts for occupants of nearby dwellings associated with construction noise during the night period.

Table 6-2: Social impacts resulting from changes to amenity during construction

Receptor Potential impacts Magnitude Importance Rating Golden Beach Users of ▪ A number of private land holdings are located directly adjacent and/or in close proximity to the Project Footprint. ▪ Little to no change ▪ Neither desired ▪ Negligible undeveloped While construction activity would potentially be quite disruptive for users of these parcels, the existing level of use ▪ Up to 4 months or resisted blocks is negligible. ▪ Small number of ▪ Receptors have individuals capacity to cope Occupants of ▪ There are five dwellings located in close proximity to the Project (see Figure 5-1). These homes currently provide ▪ Considerable ▪ Undesirable ▪ Minor Nearby a quiet and tranquil, coastal residential setting for their occupants. change ▪ Receptors have Negative Dwellings ▪ Offshore drilling would occur around winter, at a time of lower dwelling occupancy. Use of outdoor areas would be ▪ Intermittent activity capacity to cope lower during the winter period. Construction activity would not be visible, and noise levels would mainly be lower over a period of 6- than adopted noise criteria for the night period. The well testing process which involves ‘flaring’, would 8 months intermittently result in higher noise levels (which exceed night-time noise criteria) over a period of 2-4 days. ▪ Small number of ▪ Construction of the Shore Crossing Facility and Pipeline is programmed from early to mid-2022, and it is likely the individuals dwellings would be occupied during this period. • Construction activity would not be directly visible from the nearby dwellings, although signs of construction, such as vehicle movements, may be noticeable on Shoreline Drive and may affect the amenity of one dwelling located near the corner of Ebb Tide Way and Flamingo Drive. • Construction noise and night-time lighting would be perceptible at times at the dwellings, although during the day noise levels would be well below project noise criteria and lighting would be screened by intervening vegetation. • During the four-month construction period, HDD works would generate noise 24/7 for two-weeks (unavoidable works). However, mitigation measures outlined in the Technical Report F, Noise and Vibration would mitigate noise as far as practical. ▪ Construction of the eastern component of the onshore pipeline near Golden Beach is programmed for late 2021 to early 2022, and may overlap with construction activity associated with the Shore Crossing Facility and Pipeline. • The onshore pipeline would commence immediately to the west of the Shore Crossing Facility. Construction activity would not be visible from nearby dwellings. • Noise associated with pipeline construction would be clearly audible for 1 to 2 days during each construction stage (11 total). ▪ Hydrostatic testing is programmed for early/ mid 2022. The testing process would last for approximately 1 week and involve unavoidable night works for 3 to 4 days. Noise during the unavoidable night works would be lower than project noise criteria, but potentially loud enough to cause disturbance for nearby residents who live in a quiet setting. ▪ Intermittent construction activity of varying intensity may be the source of irritation for residents and could interfere with the use of outdoor areas and on limited occasions with indoor activities such as sleeping.

Receptor Potential impacts Magnitude Importance Rating Users of ▪ There are two camp grounds located in relatively close proximity to the works (C6 & C7 within approx. 300 ▪ Considerable ▪ Undesirable. ▪ Minor Nearby metres), which offer 12 campsites in total. Changes to amenity at C6 & C7 would be comparable to changes at change ▪ Receptors have Negative Campgrounds. nearby dwellings (see above). Campers choose the sites due to their natural and tranquil setting, beach access ▪ Intermittent activity some capacity to and affordability (free), amongst other reasons. over a period of 6 cope ▪ The affected sites are commonly used by people camping in tents. Campers spend most of their time outdoors months and are unable to avoid construction noise by spending time ‘indoors’. As a result, intermittent construction noise ▪ Small number of as well as light glow has the potential to cause annoyance for some campers, leading to early departure and/or individuals avoidance of the campgrounds, and associated disappointment and frustration. ▪ Campers dissatisfied with the amenity and visiting during the peak periods (between Christmas and the end of January, and around the Easter Long weekend), may not be able to find an alternative site in the local area, due to capacity constraints. At other times, campers could easily relocate to another of the Shoreline Drive camping sites. Golden Beach ▪ The majority of residents and visitors to Golden Beach would be accommodated some distance from the proposed ▪ Noticeable change ▪ Undesirable. ▪ Minor Residents and construction activities and would not be aware of construction activity while at ‘home’ or when using the Golden ▪ Up to 6 months ▪ Receptors have Negative Visitors Beach town centre. ▪ Parties across a capacity to cope ▪ Offshore-drilling would likely occur during the off-peak holiday period and would not interfere with the enjoyment of wider district the Ninety Mile beach during the peak visitor period, inclusive of the Easter fishing competition. ▪ Construction activities associated with the subsea pipeline and shore crossing may be noticeable on the Ninety Mile Beach at times during the summer and Easter periods. However, beach users including recreational fishers could easily avoid nearby sections of beach if they choose. Notwithstanding, the Residents Association is highly averse to construction activities occurring during the End of Summer Festival, due to the importance of the festival to the economic sustainability of Golden Beach. In the absence of a commitment to avoid this period, the Project has the potential to create tensions in the local community. ▪ Utilisation of campsites nearest the works may be affected during the summer period. Campers would likely spend money in Golden Beach, take part in community activities, etc. However, any potential reduction in visitation is capped by the capacity of the affected campsites (12 sites), and predicted changes to amenity would not preclude use of the sites (i.e. some utilisation would likely occur). CGRWC Land CGRWC ▪ The land cannot be accessed by the public. Expected changes to amenity would not interrupt operations. ▪ Little to no change ▪ Neither desired ▪ Negligible Clients ▪ Up to 12 months or resisted ▪ Parties across a ▪ Receptors wider area unaffected

Receptor Potential impacts Magnitude Importance Rating Rural Land Occupants of ▪ In the rural area there are 6 dwellings located within 1km of the Project Footprint (refer to Figure 5-2) and one just ▪ Noticeable Change ▪ Somewhat ▪ Minor nearby beyond this distance. The closest dwelling is 140 metres from the Project, and there are three dwellings located ▪ Intermittent activity acceptable Negative dwellings 300 to 350 metres away. over a period of 6 ▪ Receptors have ▪ Visual changes associated with construction are not likely to result in a material reduction in the liveability of months capacity to cope nearby dwellings. ▪ Small number of ▪ Noise associated with the construction of the Gas Compressor Station would not result in a material reduction in individuals the liveability of nearby dwellings (the closet being located approximately 2.2 kilometres away). ▪ Noise associated with the construction of the Metering Station may be noticeable at one dwelling located approximately 1 kilometre to the north. Noise would only exceed project noise criteria if work occurs during the weekend/evening period. ▪ Noise associated with pipeline construction would be clearly audible at nearby dwellings for 1 to 2 days during each construction stage (11 total). The works have the potential to cause minor irritation for a small number of people who live in a very quiet rural setting. However, noisy works would occur in short bursts and be limited to the day period, providing respite for affected individuals. ▪ While Hydrostatic testing would produce noise emissions which are potentially significant, the nearest dwelling is approximately 1 kilometre from the test site, limiting the potential for issues such as sleep disturbance. Unavoidable nights works would last for 3 to 4 days.

6.4 Socio-Economic Conditions Changes - Employment

Table 6-3 shows the total size of the construction workforce and estimates of the number of workers who would be sourced locally. As the Table indicates, much of the work associated with the Project’s construction is highly specialised and labour would be sourced from outside the local area.

Table 6-3: Workforce and Labour Source

Stage Peak Workforce Local Non-Local Total Offshore works - drilling - 160 160 Offshore works - shore crossing - 110 110 Shore crossing - onshore - 40 40 Pipeline 26 104 130 Facilities 20 80 100 Managerial - 20 20 Source: GB Energy

The offshore works would be short in duration and completed by a specialised workforce sourced entirely from outside the local area. Workers would be transported to and from the drill rig by chopper and work a 21 day on/ 7 day off rotation. While working, workers would be accommodated on the drill rig and/or on a vessel. While on their rest period, workers would be transported home.

Shore crossing works would also be relatively short in duration (90 to 120 days) and completed by a specialised workforce sourced entirely from outside the local area. Workers completing the onshore crossing works would work on a 21 day on/7 day off rotation and return home during the rest period. These workers would require short term accommodation in nearby settlements.

Work associated with the construction of the onshore pipeline and above ground facilities, while somewhat specialised, would be more likely to be completed by locally sourced workers.

▪ Pipeline workers would work on a 21 day on/7 day off rotation. Non-local workers would require short term accommodation in nearby settlements and return home during the rest period.

▪ The construction of the compressor station would occur under a longer rotation compared with other construction activities. Non-local workers would require accommodation in nearby settlements and would return home at times. Approximately 20 managerial staff would oversee the Project across the course of its construction. These personnel would require accommodation in nearby settlements and would return home on weekends. All workers would be subject to daily alcohol testing and random drug testing while working on the Project. Impacts

The Project would generate a small amount of temporary employment, which could be accessed by residents of the Study Area and potentially adjoining areas, a ‘minor’ positive impact of the Project.

The majority of workers would be sourced from outside the local area. However, the presence of the incoming workforce would not lead to negative impacts and in some cases would be beneficial, considering that:

▪ Off-shore workers would be accommodated on the drill-rig and offshore vessels, and therefore would have no contact with the local population. This section of the workforce has no potential to alter socio-economic conditions in Golden Beach or nearby areas.

▪ The remainder of the workforce would be accommodated within the Study Area. All workers would work on a rotation, the majority would be male, and it is not expected that any workers would relocate partners or families to Gippsland. The peak workforce associated with the shore crossing, pipeline and above ground facilities would be 180 personnel. However, due to construction sequencing, a workforce of this size would only be present in the local area for part of the total construction period. A peak workforce of 180 would represent a small (1%) increase in the population of the Study Area.

▪ Managerial personnel would be accommodated in long term lease share houses or apartments (for peak spill over) in Golden Beach or Sale. In this context, GB Energy has indicated that it is interested in securing access to holiday rental homes in Golden Beach to accommodate at least some managerial personnel. However, there are relatively few dwellings in Golden Beach which are available for short stay accommodation, and it is likely that some managerial staff would be located in Sale. To the extent that managerial staff are accommodated in Golden Beach, this would stimulate spending in the town, which relies heavily on visitors to maintain the viability of local services, such as the Golden Beach General Store.

▪ The remainder of the workforce would be provided a Living Away from Home Allowance (LAHA) and would source their own accommodation (typically caravan parks or cheaper hotels). It is expected that the majority of workers would choose to secure accommodation in Sale, where there are more accommodation options and where they would have access to urban amenities (medical services, restaurants, etc). There are numerous hotel and caravan park options in Sale, which would have capacity to accommodate the workforce (see Section 5-2).

▪ Sale has a population of 15,000 people and is a major service centre serving communities within and beyond the Study Area. As a result, an increase in Sale’s population of the order envisaged would be barely perceptible to permanent residents and would not place community facilities and services under unreasonable strain (it is noted in this context that the workforce would comprise predominately single males, who would not make use of services such as schools, day care, etc.).

▪ Risks associated with increased social disorder in Sale due to the influx of a construction workforce would be reduced to an acceptable level by the proposed drug and alcohol testing regime and the dispersal of workers across hotels and caravan parks in the area. Mitigation

The following mitigation measures should be considered in addition to those outlined elsewhere in the EES:

▪ Improve community benefits associated with generation of local employment though development of a recruitment plan which seeks to maximise local employment.

Table 6-4: Social impacts resulting from changes to socio-economic conditions during construction

Receptor Potential impacts Magnitude Importance Rating Golden Beach Permanent ▪ A small proportion of the projected workforce would be accommodated in Golden Beach. ▪ Noticeable change ▪ Beneficial. ▪ Minor Residents and Specifically, GB Energy is considering renting holiday homes for the duration of the construction ▪ Up to 12 months ▪ Receptors Positive Visitors period, to accommodate managerial personnel. ▪ Discrete Sections have capacity ▪ The Golden Beach population waxes and wanes during the year and permanent residents are of a local to cope accustomed to, and encourage, visitors. community ▪ To the extent that managerial staff are accommodated in Golden Beach, this would stimulate spending in the town, which relies heavily on visitors to maintain the viability of local services, such as the Golden Beach General Store. Sale Permanent ▪ The majority of non-local construction personnel would be accommodated in Sale. ▪ Little to no change ▪ Neither desired ▪ Negligible Residents and ▪ Sale is major service centre with a large population, relative to the size of the construction ▪ Up to 12 months or resisted Visitors workforce. ▪ Parties across a ▪ Receptors ▪ There is sufficient accommodation in Sale to provide for the needs of the construction workforce wider area unaffected and Sale has the necessary infrastructure to accommodate the temporary increase in population. ▪ Workers would be required to adhere to a code of conduct and regularly tested for alcohol and drugs. ▪ Workers would return home when not working. ▪ The presence of the construction workforce in Sale would be barely perceptible to permanent residents Study Area (and region) Labour Force ▪ A small amount of temporary employment would be generated, which could be accessed by ▪ Noticeable change ▪ Beneficial. ▪ Minor residents of the Study Area and potentially adjoining areas. ▪ Up to 12 months ▪ Receptors Positive ▪ Discrete Sections have capacity of a local to cope community

7 Impacts During Operation

7.1 Introduction

This section identifies the social effects (objective changes) and social impacts (subjective experiences of change) which would arise during the operation of the Project. The assessment of impacts assumes that mitigation measures set out in other technical reports which form part of the EES are implemented. Additional mitigation measures are recommended in relation to each of the identified impacts with a rating of minor or greater.

As with construction, operation of the Project would bring about three types of change with the potential to generate impacts: occupation of land (alienating current beneficial uses), alterations to amenity (potentially interfering with current beneficial uses) and changes to socio-economic conditions. While the related impacts are discussed separately, it is possible that particular receptors may be affected by more than one of these change mechanisms.

7.2 Land Occupation Changes

The Project comprises three above ground facilities, each of which would occupy land, and an underground pipeline. A 20-metre-wide easement would be introduced along the length of the pipeline to enable protection and maintenance of the pipeline asset. GB Energy would place certain conditions on the easement including but not limited to:

▪ Preventing the erection of structures or excavation of land below a certain depth;

▪ Planting of permanent vegetation that may impact the pipeline and line of sight between the pipeline warning markers; and

▪ Altering the existing contour of the land.

The land within the easement would be reinstated to its former condition and other than the restrictions placed on the easement, landowners would have the right to use the land as allowed by its former condition.

During operation a number of maintenance activities would occur including monitoring of the condition and integrity of the pipeline. Impacts

Land occupation (full and/or partial) would have little to no material implications for the ongoing use and enjoyment of the affected properties by existing landholders, and no land-holders raised concerns as part of the SIA process.

The affected properties comprise undeveloped blocks within the Ninety Mile Beach subdivision, land held by a public water authority which is not accessible to the public, and relatively large rural holdings, many of which are held by large corporations. Given the profile of land uses and owners, the low sensitivity of land-holders to the siting of above ground infrastructure and the introduction of the easement, is understandable.

Mitigation

The following mitigation measures should be considered in addition to those outlined elsewhere in the EES:

▪ None required

Table 7-1: Social impacts resulting from occupation of land during operation

Receptor Potential impacts Magnitude Importance Rating Golden Beach Owners of ▪ Placement of above ground infrastructure has been negotiated directly with property owners ▪ Little to no change ▪ Neither desired ▪ Negligible undeveloped and agreed. ▪ Greater than 10 years or resisted and in blocks ▪ Introduction of the easement has little if any consequences for the use and enjoyment of the ▪ Small number of some cases affected properties which cannot be developed for residential purposes. individuals beneficial. ▪ The proposed easement would not prevent essential maintenance to the outfall pipeline if ▪ Receptors have and when this is required. capacity to cope Users of ▪ The proposed easement would not prevent the use and enjoyment of the Gippsland Lakes ▪ Little to no change ▪ Neither desired ▪ Negligible Gippsland Coastal Park. ▪ Greater than 10 years or resisted Lakes Coastal ▪ Small number of ▪ Receptors Park. individuals unaffected CGRWC Land CGRWC ▪ The proposed easement would not interrupt CGRWC operations. The land cannot be ▪ Little to no change ▪ Neither desired ▪ Negligible Clients accessed by the public. ▪ Greater than 10 years or resisted ▪ Parties across a wider ▪ Receptors area unaffected

Rural Land ▪ The proposed easement is not likely to interrupt the affected businesses/farms, and in the ▪ Noticeable change ▪ Neither desired ▪ Negligible Large event that operational issues arise compensation could be claimed. ▪ Greater than 10 years or resisted Businesses ▪ Parties across a wider ▪ Receptors have area capacity to cope. ▪ Noticeable change ▪ Neither desired ▪ Negligible Small/Family ▪ Greater than 10 years or resisted Businesses ▪ Small number of ▪ Receptors have individuals capacity to cope.

7.3 Amenity Changes

The Project comprises three above ground facilities, the shore crossing facility, gas compressor station and metering facility. These facilities may be visible from nearby locations, and would be lit at night. The facilities would also emit noise.

The remainder of the Project comprises offshore wells, an offshore pipeline and an onshore pipeline. These Project elements would not be directly visible or make any noise. Easement markers would be installed along the length of the onshore pipeline to enable identification of the pipeline, deter digging within the easement, etc.

There is a potential risk (albeit very low) to human health and safety that would result from the Pipeline Works for users of private land and public areas near the pipeline alignment (refer to EES Attachment IV, Safety, Hazard and Risk. Onshore pipeline and facilities will be risk assessed using AS2885, and a Safety Management Plan will cover controls. Impacts

In the operational phase, the Project has limited potential to produce negative social impacts as a result of alterations to amenity (see Table 7-2).

While predicted noise levels associated with the above ground facilities are not particularly high the noise would be experienced in the context of an extremely quiet rural environment.

Night lighting used to illuminate the above ground facilities may be visible from a small number of private residences. However, lighting would be designed so that is not intrusive on neighbouring residences and would not interfere with the use and enjoyment of people’s homes.

Some members of the community may hold concerns about safety risks5 associated with potential explosions, or other extreme failures of the proposed pipeline infrastructure, and this may influence their willingness to attend locations in close proximity to the pipeline However, while explosions, or other extreme failures of the proposed pipeline infrastructure are possible, the likelihood is very low and concerns within the community would be alleviated over time during the ongoing safe operation of the pipeline. Mitigation

The following mitigation measures should be considered in addition to those outlined elsewhere in the EES:

▪ None.

5 See Golden Beach Gas Project - Consultation Plan (2020)

Table 7-2: Social impacts resulting from changes to amenity during operation

Receptor Potential impacts Magnitude Importance Rating Golden Beach Users of undeveloped ▪ Shore Crossing Facility would not visible from dwellings, campsites or the ▪ Little to no change ▪ Neither desired or ▪ Negligible blocks road corridor. ▪ Greater than 10 Years resisted Occupants of Nearby ▪ Operational noise and light glow would be minimal and not sufficient to ▪ Small number of individuals ▪ Receptors unaffected Dwellings interfere with amenity. ▪ Explosions, or other extreme failures of the proposed pipeline Users of Nearby infrastructure are possible, but the likelihood is very low. In the short term, Campgrounds. some individuals may avoid locations near the pipeline. However, Golden Beach ▪ Little to no change ▪ Neither desired or ▪ Negligible concerns would diminish overtime. Residents and Visitors ▪ Greater than 10 Years resisted ▪ Parties across a wider area ▪ Receptors unaffected CGRWC Land CGRWC Clients ▪ The land cannot be accessed by the public. No material changes to ▪ Little to no change ▪ Neither desired or ▪ Negligible amenity expected. ▪ Greater than 10 Years resisted ▪ Parties across a wider area ▪ Receptors unaffected

Rural Land Occupants of nearby ▪ Visual changes would not result in a material reduction in the liveability of ▪ Noticeable change ▪ Somewhat acceptable ▪ Minor dwellings rural area for local residents. ▪ Greater than 10 Years ▪ Receptors have Negative ▪ Noise and light glow emanating from the Metering Station has no potential ▪ Small number of individuals capacity to cope to negatively affect amenity. ▪ Noise emanating from the proposed Gas Compressor Station would have limited potential to reduce amenity for nearby residents (modelling indicates that the project noise criteria would only be exceeded during emergency situations at night). Light glow would be minimal and not sufficient to interfere with amenity. ▪ Explosions, or other extreme failures of the proposed pipeline infrastructure are possible, but the likelihood is very low. In the short term, some individuals may avoid locations near the pipeline. However, concerns would diminish overtime.

7.4 Socio-Economic Conditions Changes

In the operation phase of the Project, the Project would generate minimal direct employment (4 field positions and 5 managerial positions) and/or demand for accommodation in the Study Area.

During operation of the Project, GB Energy would establish a Community Benefit Fund, which would be administered with the assistance of a panel of community-based representatives. However, at the time of writing detailed arrangements in terms of the amount of funding that would be provided to the fund and the process through which funds would be administered, had not been resolved. Impacts

No material social impacts would arise as a result of changes to socio-economic conditions in the operational phase of the Project, associated with Project’s workforce.

The proposed Community Benefit Fund has the potential to generate positive impacts for the community of Golden Beach. However, at the time of writing there was insufficient information about the proposed fund to allow for an assessment of its impact. Mitigation

The following mitigation measures should be considered in addition to those outlined elsewhere in the EES:

▪ Resolve detailed arrangements with respect to the proposed Community Benefit Fund in partnership with relevant community stakeholders

8 Impacts During Decommissioning

8.1 Introduction

This section identifies the social effects and impacts which would arise during the decommissioning of the Project.

8.2 Changes and Impacts

As explained in Section 2-1, social impacts comprise the experience (positive or negative) of a social effect by individuals or groups (the social receptors). In the case construction and operation of the Project, it was possible to identify relevant social receptors and community resources to inform the assessment.

With respect to decommissioning, these works would occur 40 years post-construction and over this time period it is possible that the profile of relevant community resources and social receptors will change. However, assuming no major changes to land use patterns and/or population density in locations near the Project, the potential of decommissioning works to generate negative social impacts would likely be minimal, and similar to those associated with construction. That is, social impacts which would arise during decommissioning would be likely be negligible to minor in terms of their significance. Notwithstanding, the likely nature and severity of impacts should be reconsidered prior to commencement of decommissioning works.

9 Summary and conclusion

9.1 Significant impacts

Table 8-1 below reiterates impacts identified in previous sections which are of greatest significance (rating of minor or greater).

Table 9-1: Summary of potential impacts (adverse and beneficial)

Social Effect Potential impacts (adverse and beneficial) Rating Construction Land Occupation The construction process would place an impost on the personal time and energies Minor of a small number of farming families, and may be the source of some irritation and Negative stress Altered Amenity Intermittent construction noise may result in a minor reduction in the liveability of a Minor small number of dwellings located in Golden Beach over a period of 6-8 months. Negative Intermittent construction noise may diminish the attractiveness of two camping Minor grounds located along Shoreline Drive, and potentially affect the quality and extent Negative of camper visitation to Golden Beach. During January and around Easter, alternative sites may not be available due to capacity constraints. Construction activity may occur during the End of Summer Festival. While activity Minor programmed for the relevant period is unlikely to affect the success of the festival Negative directly, local community representatives are keen to ensure the Festival’s success and are averse to construction over the Festival period. In the absence of a commitment to avoid this period, the Project has the potential to create tensions in the local community. Intermittent construction noise may result in a minor reduction in the liveability of a Minor small number of rural dwellings over a period of 9-12 months. Negative Altered Socio- Managerial staff may be accommodated in Golden Beach during construction, Minor economic profile stimulating spending in a town which relies heavily on visitors to maintain the Positive viability of local services, such as the Golden Beach General Store. A small amount of temporary employment would be generated, which could be Minor accessed by residents of the Study Area and potentially adjoining areas. Positive Operation Altered Amenity Noise emanating from the proposed Gas Compressor Station has potential to Minor reduce the amenity of one nearby dwelling. However, modelling indicates that Negative project noise criteria would only be exceeded during emergency situations at night.

9.2 Conclusion

Due to its location and the nature of the land it traverses, the Project’s potential to generate negative social impacts is limited.

Notwithstanding, a number of minor negative social impacts would arise in association with the Project. While these impacts may be considered acceptable, mitigation of the impacts would be possible, and should occur where this does not place unreasonable demands on the proponent.

10 References

Fenton, M. (2005) Guidebook on Social Impact Assessment, prepared for Department of Planning, Environment and Behaviour Consultants, Townsville QLD.

Rowan, M (2009). Refining the attribution of significance in social impact assessment, Impact Assessment and Project Appraisal, 27:3, 185-191.

Van Schooten, M. V. (2003). Conceptualising social change processes and social impacts. The International Handbook of Social Impact Assessment: Conceptual and Methodological Advances, 6:74-91.