Capital Metro Authority Capital Metro Russell Extension Project - Preliminary Environmental Assessment

3. Planning and legislation

3.1 Overview

The planning approvals process for the Project would comprise a mix of both Territory and Commonwealth requirements as the Project corridor falls under the administrative authority of both the National Capital Authority (NCA) and the ACT Government through the Environment and Planning Directorate (EPD). The authority jurisdictions of the NCA and EPD are discussed in section 3.2 below.

This Chapter provides an overview of the applicable planning and approvals process that the Russell Extension Project would be required to follow to gain approval.

3.1.1 Approach to planning approvals for the Russell Extension Project

As noted above, the Russell Extension Project would be undertaken as Stage 2 of the proposed Civic to Gungahlin Project (Stage 1). An Environmental Impact Statement for the Stage 1 Civic to Gungahlin Project and is currently (as at September 2015) being determined by EPS. As such, the Russell Extension Project environment and planning approvals are being progressed separately to the Stage 1 planning approvals.

This approach has the following key implications to the Russell Extension Project:

the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) currently being prepared for the Stage 1 Civic to Gungahlin Project under the ACT Planning & Development Act 2007 (P&D Act) does not address the Russell Extension Project the Stage 1 Gungahlin to Civic Development Application to be submitted to the ACT Government will not address the Russell Extension Project. Similarly, the Works Approval to be submitted to the National Capital Authority (NCA) will also not address the Russell Extension Project the EPBC Act 1999 Referral submitted to the Commonwealth Department of the Environment (DoE) for the Stage 1 Gungahlin to Civic Project will not need to be amended to include the Russell Extension Project and there would be no impact to the decision by the DoE (December 2014) regarding the status of the Stage 1 Civic to Gungahlin Project as being a ‘not-controlled action’.

As such this PEA has been prepared to present the preliminary environmental assessment of the potential environmental issues that may occur as part of the construction and operation and outline the planning approval process for the extension. The report has also been prepared to support a referral to the Department of Environment to confirm the Project is not considered to be a controlled action under the EPBC Act 1999.

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3.2 Land administration

All land in the ACT belongs to the Commonwealth and, under the Australian Capital Territory Planning and Land Management Act 1988 (Commonwealth) (P&LM Act), is divided into either:

National land – which is managed by the NCA, or Territory land – which is managed through the Territory Plan by the ACT Planning and Land Authority/ EPD under the P&D Act.

The alignment of the Project falls under the two administrative authorities: the NCA and the ACT Government. Figure 3.1 provides an overview of each of the administrative authority jurisdictions which are explained further below.

Additionally, the P&LM Act also provides for ‘Designated Areas’. These areas may include National or Territory land. The NCA has planning responsibility for Designated Areas however various agencies in the ACT Government may have custodianship and manage Designated Areas on a day to day basis. The Commonwealth owns all land in Canberra. People buy the right to use leased land for a fixed term, usually 99 years. With respect to leasing arrangements and management the:

Commonwealth is responsible for National land ACT Government is responsible for Territory land Commonwealth and ACT Government share jurisdiction for Designated Areas, although planning and development approval is the responsibility of the NCA.

The components on Northbourne Avenue, London Circuit (a small section near Ainslie Place), Constitution Avenue and within Russell would be located on designated land under the National Capital Plan (NCP) and the NCA would be responsible for the planning and development decisions. This would include the preparation of a Works Approval to be determined by the NCA.

The components along the majority of London Circuit would impact Territory land which is under ACT Government administration. Final locations of supporting infrastructure, such as substations and potential construction compounds, would also have the potential to be located on Territory land if located further back from the main alignment. EPD would be responsible for the planning and development decisions on Territory land. This would include the preparation of a development application to be determined for approval by EPD.

Figure 3.2 provides an overview of the relevant administrative authority’s approval jurisdictions for both land administered by NCA and ACT Government (EPD) is shown in Figure 3.2.

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Figure 3.1 Administrative authority jurisdictions

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Figure 3.2 Administrative authority – approvals

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3.3 Regulatory authority requirements and approval pathways

3.3.1 National Capital Authority

NCA development approval under the ACT P&LM Act would be required for proposed works in a Designated Area. As discussed in section 3.3.1.1 below with respect to the Russell Extension Project, this would comprise components on Northbourne Avenue, London Circuit (a small section near Ainslie Place), Constitution Avenue and generally Russell Drive (including the proposed corridor/alignment for Russell Drive associated with the master plan for Constitution Avenue and Anzac Parade (National Capital Plan Appendix T:8)).

3.3.1.1 The National Capital Plan

The sections below detail the specific sections of the National Capital Plan which would be relevant to the Russell Extension Project.

The Central National Area (Section 1 of the National Capital Plan)

The Russell extension would largely be located within the ‘Central National Area’ under the National Capital Plan (see Figure 3.3). The Central National Area is specified as a Designated Area under the Provisions of Section 10 (1) of the ACT P&LM Act. The National Capital Plan identifies that development in the Central National Area is to be guided by The Griffin Legacy.

Source: ‘Figure 4: The Central National Area – Key Map (City)’, National Capital Plan Note: Yellow shading identifies the Central National Area. Figure 3.3 The Central National Area – Key Map (City)’, National Capital Plan

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City Hill Precinct (Section 1.3 of the National Capital Plan)

City Hill Precinct is central to the implementation of The Griffin Legacy. The National Capital Plan identifies City Hill as a precinct that ‘should take its rightful place as the municipal heart of central Canberra. City Hill Precinct will be reclaimed as Griffin’s symbolic and geographical centre for City – a corner completing the National Triangle as a gateway to the Central National Area and a hub connecting significant main avenues and vistas’ (refer to Figure 3.4).

Ongoing design and development of the Russell Extension Project would consider the integration of the light rail with the principles, policies and conditions of the City Hill Precinct described in the National Capital Plan.

Based on the current design of the Russell Extension Project there is potential for light rail development to be required on the ‘Road’, and ‘City Centre’ land uses which do not currently expressly permit light rail development. An amendment to the National Capital Plan would be required to ensure the Russell Extension Project is in accordance with the National Capital Plan.

Source: ‘Figure 10: The Central National Area (City)’, National Capital Plan Figure 3.4 National Capital Plan – City Hill

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Constitution Avenue Precinct (Section 1.5 of the National Capital Plan)

Constitution Avenue is a key component of the continued implementation of The Griffin Legacy. The National Capital Plan identifies Constitution Avenue as a precinct proposed to ‘become an elegant and vibrant mixed use grand boulevard linking London Circuit to Russell, increasing the vitality of the Central National Area and completing the National Triangle’ (refer to Figure 3.5).

The National Capital Plan notes that this development will be supported by an integrated transport system, broad tree-lined footpaths and outdoor dining and street parking. The National Capital Plan identifies a range of principles for the development of Constitution Avenue, which include the following with relevance to the Russell Extension Project:

establish Constitution Avenue as a diverse and active grand boulevard lined with shops, cafes and a mix of commercial, entertainment and residential uses complete the base of the National Triangle support Constitution Avenue with an integrated transport system and mix of land uses contributing to the life of the National Triangle establish Constitution Avenue with higher density development, public transport, broad tree-lined footpaths and outdoor dining and street parking achieve best practice environmentally sustainable development.

Source: ‘Figure 12: The Central National Area (Constitution Avenue and Anzac Parade)’, National Capital Plan Figure 3.5 National Capital Plan – Constitution Avenue

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The policies prescribed for Constitution Avenue (Section 1.5.3 of the National Capital Plan) are broad and specifically include the following with relevance to the Russell Extension Project:

provide a mix of land uses that contributes to the creation of a 24 hour community with dynamic activity patterns including retail, restaurants, residential and hotels close to public transport, employment areas, cultural attractions and the parklands of Lake Burley Griffin integrate public transport priority in the design of Constitution Avenue including provision for future light rail create a public domain that forms a linked sequence of spaces that are accessible, safe, comfortable, and pedestrian-scaled, that promotes walking and use of public transport and minimises reliance on cars development should command high standards of urban design, sustainability, architecture and social inclusion reflecting the character of the national capital and providing a model for city development in Australia in the 21st century.

Current and ongoing design development of the Russell Extension Project has considered the integration of the light rail with the above principles, policies and conditions of the Constitution Avenue Precinct described in the National Capital Plan.

Based on the current design of the Russell Extension Project there is potential for light rail development to be required on the ‘Road’, ‘National Capital Use’, ‘Land use A’ and ‘Open Space’ land uses which do not currently expressly permit light rail development. An amendment to the National Capital Plan would be required to ensure the Russell Extension Project is in accordance with the Plan.

Appendix T8 Constitution Avenue and Anzac Parade

Development and redevelopment on Constitution Avenue and within Russell would also take into account the proposed structure plan outlined in Appendix T8 of the National Capital Plan – Constitution Avenue and Anzac Parade. This appendix provides a series of detailed conditions of planning, design and development associated urban design guidelines for the proposed future development of Constitution Avenue and Anzac Parade and surrounding areas.

The plan identifies that Russell Drive from Constitution Avenue (near Blamey Crescent) would no longer exist (a short section has already been decommissioned and it has been de-gazetted). It describes a replacement road network being established in Russell that responds to the geometries of the National Triangle and provides for the creation of generally rectangular sites for the construction of future government buildings in the area. The plan also identifies Blamey Crescent being extended in a south-westerly direction from Constitution Avenue to meet Parkes Way.

Indicative public transport, access and circulation routes within the plan are identified as being along Constitution Avenue, down Reg Saunders Drive and along Russell Drive in the Russell area (refer to Figure 3.6).

The plan also provides indicative information for the elements such as urban structure, main pedestrian connections, landscape, road hierarchy, cycleways, active frontage, building height forms, stormwater.

Based on the current design of the Russell Extension Project, it is likely that there would need to be changes to the plan to allow light the rail to utilise the revised road network between Blamey Crescent and Russell Drive. This process is currently being undertaken by CMA through a proposed amendment to the NCP Plan in consultation with the NCA. Consultation with the NCA to date have indicated that the NCA are supportive of the current design of the Russell Extension Project and of the related amendment to the NCP.

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Source: ‘T8 - Indicative Public Transport, Access and Circulation figure’, National Capital Plan Figure 3.6 National Capital Plan – T8 – Indicative Public Transport, Access and Circulation

3.3.1.2 Main avenues and approach routes (Section 2 of the National Capital Plan)

The National Capital Plan identifies in Section 2 the Main Avenues and Approach Routes. The areas identified at Figure 3.7 below are specified as a Designated Area under the Provisions of Section 10 (1) of the ACT P&LM Act. In relation to the Russell Extension Project the roads which are classed as Designated Areas include:

Kings Avenue Commonwealth Avenue Northbourne Avenue Anzac Parade Constitution Avenue.

Source: ‘Figure 18: Main Avenues & Approach routes’, National Capital Plan Figure 3.7 National Capital Plan – Constitution Avenue

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3.3.1.3 NCA planning approval process

National Capital Plan amendment

It is likely that a National Capital Plan amendment would be required to specifically state that ‘light rail’ is permitted in the appropriate zones for the Russell Extension Project (where this has not already occurred as part of the Stage 1 Civic to Gungahlin Project). This would need to be discussed with the NCA to determine the requirement, the content, the process and the program. As noted in section 3.3.1.1, it is likely that there would also be a need to amend elements of Appendix T8 of the National Capital Plan to reflect the Russell Extension Project’s design.

The NCA identifies (NCA, 2015) that the amendment process includes the following key steps:

Preparation of a draft amendment. Consultation and review – following preparation of the draft amendment the NCA releases it for public consultation. In accordance with the P&LM Act this requires public inspection, consultation with EPD, publication of a notice in the Commonwealth Gazette and another Territory paper, consideration of submissions made on the draft amendment and preparation of a report on its consultations which is to be submitted to the Minister. Submission and action by the Minister – the NCA recommends to the Minister that the draft amendment to the Plan be approved. If the NCA reports to the Minister that EPD objects to any aspect of the draft amendment, the Minister must consult with the ACT Executive before making a decision. The Minister, before approving a draft amendment, may refer it to a Parliamentary Committee for its independent inquiry or advice. An amendment to the National Capital Plan takes effect when notice of the Minister’s approval is formally published in the Commonwealth Gazette. Once the Minister approves the amendment the NCA will publish the Consultation Report and Public Submissions Table on their website. Parliamentary scrutiny – once the Minister approves the amendment, it is tabled for 15 sitting days in both houses of the Federal Parliament. The Parliament may raise a motion to disallow (all or part of) the amendment to the National Capital Plan. Certified amendments – a draft amendment to the National Capital Plan may be ‘certified’ by the Minister to give it interim effect while it is considered further. A draft amendment may not be brought into effect through certification until it has been made available for public consultation. Certification has effect for six months and can be extended for one or more periods of up to six months.

Works approval

Developments occurring in a Designated Area of the National Capital Plan require Works Approval from the NCA under section 12 of the ACT P&LM Act, in which it is stated that:

No works shall be performed in a Designated Area unless: (a) the proposal to perform the works has been submitted to the Authority together with such plans and specifications as are required by the Authority; (b) the authority has approved the works in writing; and (c) the works are in accordance with the Plan. NCA development approval under the ACT P&LM Act would be required for proposed works in a Designated Area.

Once the National Capital Plan amendment has been approved the NCA process would involve a Works Approval being submitted which would detail the proposed Russell Extension Project. The Works Approval process does not have any critical environmental triggers, formal assessment guidelines or published policy, however, the NCA environmental assessment is mindful of the environmental requirements of the Commonwealth EPBC Act 1999 and the ACT P&D Act.

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The NCA would need to consider environmental matters along the corridor and is also likely to consider environmental matters adjacent to the corridor.

As with the Stage 1 Civic to Gungahlin Project, it is likely that specific Urban Design Guidelines would be developed for this part of the Russell Extension Project. Whilst this is not a statutory requirement, given the process applied to Stage 1, it is an assumed that a similar requirement would be required for the Russell Extension Project. The guidelines would be developed with, and endorsed by, the NCA prior to submitting any Works Approval documentation.

3.3.2 Commonwealth Department of the Environment

The EPBC Act 1999 is the Australian Government’s central piece of environmental legislation. It prescribes the Commonwealth’s role in environmental assessment and approval. It provides a legal framework to protect and manage actions to the environment by the Commonwealth. The EPBC Act 1999 requires referral to the Commonwealth Minister for the Environment for any actions that are likely to have a significant impact on:

Matters of National Environmental Significance (NES) an action on Commonwealth land which has, will have or is likely to have a significant impact on the environment an action by the Commonwealth or a Commonwealth agency which has, will have or is likely to have a significant impact on the environment an action which has, will have or is likely to have a significant impact on the environment on Commonwealth land, no matter where it is to be carried out.

As discussed in the sub-sections below, there is potential for the Project to have an impact on the following EPBC Act 1999 items:

listed threatened species and ecological communities National Heritage values of listed National Heritage places (particularly for works around and impacting views near Anzac Parade and Kings Avenue) Commonwealth lands (in particular the Russell Hill Complex defence lands – this is a listed Commonwealth Heritage Place (the Russell Precinct Heritage Area – located on Sir Thomas Blamey Square)).

Listed threatened species and ecological communities

A search of the EPBC Protected Matters Search Tool was undertaken on 21 May 2015. The search identified the following EPBC Act 1999 listed threatened species and ecological communities with a potential to occur in the study area (which included a five kilometre boundary around the Russell Extension Project corridor):

two vegetation communities that have been previously identified as potentially occurring in the study area and have the potential to be impacted by the Project include: Natural Temperate Grassland of the Southern Tablelands of NSW and the Australian Capital Territory (Endangered) Possible Lowland Woodland (unverified by may constitute Yellow Box – Blakeley’s Red Gum Grassy Woodland community subject to further floristic field investigations).

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there are five threatened species of plant with moderate or high potential to occur in the study area however none of these are expected to be impacted by the Project. These include: Caladenia actensis (Canberra Spider Orchid) (Endangered under EPBC Act 1999) Swainsona recta (Small Purple Pea) (Endangered under EPBC Act 1999) Rutidosis leptorhynchoides (Button Wrinklewort) (Endangered under EPBC Act 1999) Leucochrysum albicans var. tricolor (Grassland Paper-daisy) (Endangered under EPBC Act 1999) Lepidium ginninderrense (Ginninderra peppercress) (Vulnerable under EPBC Act 1999) the six threatened species of animal with a moderate or high potential to occur in the study area and which have potential to be impacted by the Project include the following: Regent Honeyeater (Endangered) Swift Parrot (Endangered) Superb Parrot (Vulnerable) Painted Honeyeater (Endangered) Hooded Robin (Endangered) Grey-headed Flying-fox (Vulnerable).

A preliminary assessment of potential ecological impacts, including a field survey undertaken on July 2014 and August 2015, has confirmed the potential for these ecological communities and the likelihood of occurrence of the identified threatened flora and fauna species. Section 5.6 of this report provides further details regarding the potential ecological impacts of the Russell Extension Project.

Commonwealth Heritage Listed and National Heritage Listed Places

The EPBC Act establishes the Commonwealth Heritage List (CHL) and the National Heritage List (NHL). The CHL comprises those places owned or controlled by the Commonwealth that have been assessed as having heritage values against the Commonwealth Heritage criteria established under the EPBC Act. Places identified with outstanding heritage values for the nation as a whole are eligible for inclusion on the NHL. National Heritage places may be owned, managed or controlled under any jurisdiction.

Based on the proposed Project design, the route has the potential to have a significant impact on the National Heritage Listed nominated areas including:

Canberra – Central National Area and Inner Hills (Nominated place, NHL) Canberra and Surrounding Areas (Nominated place, NHL) West Portal Cafeteria (Nominated place, CHL) Australian War Memorial and the Memorial Parade (Listed place, NHL) Parliament House Vista–Portal Buildings (Listed place, CHL) Parliament House Vista (Listed place, CHL) Russell Precinct Heritage Area (Listed place, CHL) Australian American Memorial and Sir Thomas Blamey Square (Listed place, CHL).

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Based on the current design of the Project significant impact is not expected. The current rationale for the assumed impact level is:

the introduction of the light rail infrastructure would be into an existing transport corridor the Project would have minor, but not significant or adverse impacts, on the National Heritage values of the Australian War Memorial and the Memorial Parade. The proposal therefore would not trigger the need for a referral of an action on a matter of NES it would have a minor, but not significant or adverse, impact on the Commonwealth Heritage values of the Russell Precinct Heritage Area, however the proposed placement of the Russell terminus stop within the block south of Building R4 would result in only a minor impact on the urban design qualities of the Russell Precinct Heritage Area it would not have any impacts on the Commonwealth Heritage values of the Parliament House Vista or the Parliament House Vista Extension – Portal Buildings the proposal would not have a significant adverse impact on the potential National Heritage values of Canberra, the Planned National Capital. In principle, the introduction of the proposed Russell Extension is compatible with the planning history and heritage of Canberra.

Section 5.2 and the Capital Metro, ACT Light Rail, Russell Extension – Heritage Impact Assessment (GML Heritage, 2015) provided in Appendix A of this PEA provided further details regarding the potential heritage impacts and proposed mitigation measures associated with the Project.

Commonwealth lands

The Commonwealth land listings relate to Defence lands and Department of Finance lands. Some of the identified Commonwealth properties, such as Northbourne House and the Defence recruiting unit (GIO building), have been identified within the Project study area but not the current Russell Extension Project impact footprint. Direct impacts to these items are not predicted as the Project is to be located within the existing transport corridor.

However, two main areas of Commonwealth land have been identified as being impacted by the Russell Extension Project, towards the eastern extent of the Project. The impacted Commonwealth land includes the following (refer to Figure 3.8 and Figure 3.9):

a small area (approximately 495 square metres) of Department of Defence land located to the south east of the intersection between Blamey Crescent and Constitution Avenue a strip of Department of Finance and Deregulation land (approximately 6,360 square metres) generally to the south of the existing alignment of Russell Drive between the intersection of Blamey Crescent and Constitution Avenue and the proposed location of the Russell Terminus stop.

The proposed impact to Commonwealth land would not result impact the ongoing use or purpose of these parcels of land for Commonwealth purposes (i.e. Defence or Finance and Deregulation purposes). Furthermore, the Russell Extension Project would also not preclude any future use or substantial (re)development of these parcels of land.

Therefore, it is considered that while the Russell Extension Project would have some impact on Commonwealth land, these impacts would be minor.

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Note: Alignment and design is indicative. Subject to detailed design. Figure 3.8 Commonwealth land impacted within the vicinity of the Russell Extension Project – Russell Drive (west)

Note: Alignment and design is indicative. Subject to detailed design. Figure 3.9 Commonwealth land impacted within the vicinity of the Russell Extension Project – Russell Drive (east) and Russell Terminus stop

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Summary

At this stage the action (development of the Project) is unlikely to be considered to be a controlled action under the EPBC Act 1999. This is based on the following Project considerations:

The overall development footprint has been minimised to reduce potential impacts, in particular to Commonwealth land and other leased land. It has been concluded that the Russell Extension Project would generally result in a low likelihood of impacting on any identified threatened species of flora or fauna. The approach to potential heritage impacts associated with the Russell Extension Project has been based on minimising the visual presence of the Project through the use of wire-free technology; at- grade embedded tracks within the Northbourne Avenue, London Circuit, Constitution Avenue and Russell Drive roadways; and lightweight steel-framed and glazed stops. This approach means that the light rail will not appear as an intrusion in the significant landscape of the Parliamentary Triangle. Similarly, while the Russell Terminus does not respond to the symmetrical design of the Russell Precinct Heritage Area, it has been sited outside key views to and from the precinct from Kings Avenue and designed to be recessive in scale and materials to the buildings of the precinct. With respect to impacts on Commonwealth land, whilst there would be some minor impacts to existing Commonwealth land, the Russell Extension Project has been designed to minimise potential impacts on the current and future use of or redevelopment of these areas of land which are currently used for Defence and/or Finance purposes. Consultation has been undertaken with the NCA, Department of Finance and Deregulation and Department of Defence to ensure that the Project would result in minimal impacts.

Ongoing design of the Russell Extension Project would seek to further reduce any potential impacts to items which may be affected under the EPBC Act 1999.

3.3.3 ACT Government

Planning approval process

The EPD, which administers the P&D Act, is responsible for planning and managing development in the ACT on land that is not in a Designated Area under the National Capital Plan. This relates to the section of the Russell Extension Project along the majority of London Circuit (except the small section near Ainslie Place and at the intersection of London Circuit and Constitution Avenue).

The planning instrument for the P&D Act is the Territory Plan. Some developments/actions are exempt from provisions in the P&D Act and some are prohibited under the P&D Act. The Territory Plan includes development tables for each land use zone in the ACT and these tables show whether a development is exempt, assessable or prohibited within that zone. If the development is assessable, the next step is to decide which of three assessment tracks (i.e. Code, Merit or Impact) is the correct track for the development, the assessment level and the supporting documentation that is required.

Impact or merit track process

To establish whether the Russell Extension Project would likely be a merit track or impact track assessment pathway, consideration of the potential triggers for impact assessment with respect to the Project was undertaken.

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Under section 123 of the P&D Act a development application is considered an impact track development proposal if:

The relevant development table of the Territory Plan states that the impact track applies. It is of a kind mentioned in Schedule 4 of the P&D Act. The Minister makes a declaration under section 124 of the P&D Act in relation to the proposal. It is considered one under relevant legislation, such as the Commonwealth EPBC Act 1999.

A summary of the potential triggers for impact assessment with respect to the Project is provided below.

Relevant development table(s) of the Territory Plan

The track alignment along London Circuit and the London Circuit stop would be the only section of the proposed works associated with the Russell Extension Project to be developed on land administered by the ACT Government. Along this section of the alignment, the Project would be located within the designated transport corridor zone of the Territory Plan. This zone is classed as TSZ1 – Transport which:

allows for the development of ‘light rail’ (as identified in Territory Plan Variation 327, dated July 2015) permits the development of a ‘public transport facility’ under the merit track assessment process

The proposed intersection and any road works (i.e. new or revised accesses to properties, additional lands for extra road carriageways or turning lanes etc.) would also be located within the main transport corridor.

Identified in Schedule 4 of the P&D Act

Table 3.1 outlines the Schedule 4 provisions and associated triggers for impact track assessment.

Table 3.1 Consideration of the Russell Extension Project with respect to Schedule 4 of the P&D Act

Schedule 4 Provisions Comment

Part 4.2 Development proposals requiring EIS – activities

Item 1 – proposal for construction of a transport corridor including a The Project is for the construction of a light rail major road, a dedicated bus way, a railway, or a light rail corridor, corridor, which would meet that part of the on any land, other than on land designated under the territory plan Provision. The section of the light rail as a future urban area or in a transport and services zone, if the alignment is designated as a transport and proposal is likely to have a significant adverse environmental impact services zone which would meet that part of on – the Provision. (a) air quality so as to be detrimental to the health of persons in an Regardless of the land to be impacted it is adjoining residential, commercial or community facility zone; or unlikely that a significant adverse environmental impact to air quality or ambient (b) ambient noise or vibration so as to be detrimental to the health noise or vibration would result from the of persons in an adjoining residential, commercial or community construction of the Project. facility zone. Based on the above, this provision is not anticipated to be triggered.

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Schedule 4 Provisions Comment

Part 4.3 Development proposals requiring EIS – areas and processes

Item 1 – Proposal that is likely to have a significant adverse The Project corridor along London Circuit is environmental impact on 1 or more of the following, unless the generally located adjacent to existing conservator of flora and fauna produces an environmental commercial buildings (to the north and east) significance opinion that the proposal is not likely to have a and existing car parks and municipal buildings significant environmental impact: (to the west). a species or ecological community that is endangered A significant environmental impact to any of the identified categories under this provision is a species that is vulnerable not anticipated as a result of the Russell a species that is protected Extension Project. a species with a special protection status Based on the above, this provision is not anticipated to be triggered. a species or ecological community if a threatening process has been declared under the Nature Conservation Act 1980, s 38 (4) in relation to the species or community.

Item 2 – proposal involving – The Project would result in minor clearing of existing highly modified vegetation the clearing of more than 0.5 ha of native vegetation other than assemblages. This would generally including on land that is designated as a future urban area under the Cleared and disturbed land with scattered territory plan unless the conservator of flora and fauna produces trees and Planted non-indigenous vegetation. an environmental significance opinion that the clearing is not likely to have a significant adverse environmental impact; or The Project would not result in the need to clear more than 0.5 ha of native vegetation. the clearing of more than 5.0 ha of native vegetation on land that is designated as a future urban area under the territory plan Based on the above, this provision is not unless the conservator of flora and fauna produces an anticipated to be triggered. environmental significance opinion that the clearing is not likely to have a significant adverse environmental impact.

Item 3 – proposal for development on land reserved under section The Russell Extension Project would not 315 for the purpose of a wilderness area, national park, nature impact on land reserved under section 315 for reserve or special purpose reserve, unless the conservator of flora the purpose of a wilderness area, national and fauna produces an environmental significance opinion that the park, nature reserve or special purpose proposal is not likely to have a significant adverse environmental reserve. impact. Based on the above, this provision is not anticipated to be triggered.

Item 6 – proposal that is likely to have a significant adverse impact No heritage places and objects registered on, on the heritage significance of a place or object registered under the or nominated to, the ACT Heritage Register Heritage Act 2004, unless the heritage council produces an are likely to be subject to direct physical environmental significance opinion that the proposal is not likely to impacts as a result of the proposal. have a significant adverse impact. There would also be minimal to no visual impacts on heritage places and objects on either side of the Russell Extension corridor. Based on the above, this provision is not anticipated to be triggered.

Item 7 – proposal involving land included on the register of The Project would not involve land included on contaminated sites under the Environment Protection Act 1997 the register of contaminated sites under the Environment Protection Act 1997. Based on the above, this provision is not anticipated to be triggered.

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Minister declaration under section 124 of the P&D Act

At this stage, the Minister for Planning has not made a declaration under section 124 of the P&D Act that the Russell Extension Project is a Project that is required to follow the impact track assessment process.

Considered as a development for impact assessment under other legislation

At this stage, consideration of the Russell Extension Project has not been identified as being a development requiring impact assessment under other legislation. As discussed further in section 3.3.4, the Project has not been deemed to be a controlled action requiring approval under the EPBC Act 1999.

Summary of ACT Government planning approval process

For the relevant sections of the Russell Extension Project which are administered by the ACT Government, it is considered that the Project is one which would constitute a development for which the ‘merit’ track would apply for the following reasons

the relevant development table of the Territory Plan meets the requirements for a merit-track assessment the Project is not of a kind mentioned in Schedule 4 of the P&D Act. The Minister has not made a declaration under section 124 of the P&D Act in relation to the proposal being required to be assessed as an ‘impact’ track assessment, The project is not considered one under other relevant legislation, such as the Commonwealth EPBC Act 1999.

Other relevant approvals and territory legislation

To ensure the environment is adequately protected, the Russell Extension Project, in parallel with ACT Government development approval, would require approvals and endorsements under various categories from other ACT entities, such as government departments, statutory bodies or utilities that assist EPD with assessing development applications.

The Russell extension would need to be referred to specialised units within the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and Territory and Municipal Services Directorate (TAMS), in association with service providers, e.g. ActewAGL (ACT’s electricity and gas provider) and ACTEW Corporation (Canberra’s water and sewerage providers), for approval to conduct activities relating to:

heritage trees erosion and sediment control waste management utilities hazardous materials contamination vehicle access and management.

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4. Project description

4.1 Project overview

The Russell Extension Project is a priority transport project for the ACT Government and major implementation action of the Transport for Canberra policy. As the second stage of the proposed future light rail master plan network, it aims to deliver high quality, reliable public transport, aiming to further increase the mode share of public transport and reduce car dependence through its linkage with the Stage 1 Gungahlin to Civic Project.

The Russell Extension Project would comprise of approximately three kilometres of light rail linking Civic with the large employment district of Russell. Between the Civic and Russell, the alignment would follow Northbourne Avenue, London Circuit, Constitution Avenue and Russell Drive.

The Russell Extension Project outlined in this section is indicative and based on the current design of the Project. This design is continuing to develop as more engineering and assessment work is completed. Some aspects of the design may change as the design progresses and more detail becomes available.

4.1.1 Overview of the Project design

The Project would comprise the construction and operation of a light rail service between the currently proposed Civic terminus stop at Alinga Street and Russell, and is expected to include the following features:

approximately three kilometres of additional embedded light rail track with a wide central median arrangement along the length of the proposed alignment which would connect to the existing alignment of the Stage 1 – Gungahlin to Civic Project an additional five stops including one stop on London Circuit, three stops on Constitution Avenue and an interchange/terminus stop at the intersection of Russell Drive and Kings Avenue. Stop options associated with the Project (subject to further design) would also include the potential for an additional stop between Wendouree Drive and the proposed Russell interchange/terminus which is dependent on further investigation of the preferred wire-free technology requirements. the potential relocation of the Civic terminus stop (proposed as part of Stage 1), from its current position north of Alinga Street, to a location south of Alinga Street within the central median of Northbourne Avenue, between the Sydney and Melbourne Buildings provision of wire-free technology along the proposed alignment between the Civic terminus stop and the Russell terminus stop two electrical substations for the provision of additional power along the proposed extension alignment crossovers and turnback facilities (where required) modifications to the proposed stabling depot and maintenance facility located at Mitchell including: two additional stabling tracks (in addition to earthworks for the future provision of a third stabling track) up to 22 additional car parking spaces other minor layout changes

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passenger information systems at each of the stops and on LRVs including visual displays showing the times of the next services, audio help point, closed circuit television (CCTV) security monitoring, PA the provision of new signals at all currently unsignalised intersections. All traffic crossings of the light rail are proposed to be signalised changes to existing traffic lanes and intersections along the proposed alignment changes to some parking conditions along the proposed alignment, in particular along Constitution Avenue changes to existing utilities and new drainage infrastructure along the alignment urban design and landscaping improvements, including landscaping which is consistent with the current upgrade of Constitution Avenue.

The Russell Extension Project is expected to initially operate as follows:

with an additional fleet of six light rail vehicles (LRVs), resulting in a total initial fleet size of approximately 18 LRVs for the overall light rail network between 6.00 am and midnight Monday to Thursday, 6.00 am and 1.30 am on Fridays and Saturdays and between 8.00 am and midnight on Sundays at a frequency of: six minutes between 7.00 am and 9.00 am and between 4.00 pm and 6.00 pm on weekdays 10 minutes between 9.00 am and 4.00 pm on weekdays 15 minutes at other times on weekdays, Saturdays and Sundays. journey time of 15 minutes between Civic and Russell. This would result in a total journey time of 40 minutes between Gungahlin and Russell. with a maximum speed of 40 kilometres per hour.

Figure 4.1 identifies the proposed Russell Extension Project alignment and the proposed stop locations.

Track alignment and form

The Project is expected to include approximately three kilometres of embedded light rail track, within a wide central median arrangement along the length of the proposed alignment between Civic and Russell. The wide central median would be sufficient enough to allow for retention of a row of planted trees which are proposed as part of the current upgrade of Constitution Avenue. Between Civic and Russell, the alignment would follow the following streets:

Northbourne Avenue London Circuit Constitution Avenue Russell Drive (including the proposed corridor/alignment for Russell Drive associated with the master plan for Constitution Avenue and Anzac Parade (National Capital Plan Appendix T:8))

The track would be standard 1,435 millimetre gauge. The proposed trackform would consist of embedded rail, due to the reduction in the total depth of the trackform required and to allow for improved urban design along Constitution Avenue.

Further details of the adopted alignment design criteria would be discussed in the environmental impact assessment.

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Figure 4.1 Proposed Russell Extension Project stop locations and alignment

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Stops

Based on the current design, the stops for the Project would be located between approximately 490 metres and 615 metres apart. The Project design includes five stops (with the provision for an additional stop between Wendouree Drive and the proposed Russell interchange/terminus depending on wire-free technology requirements) including a transport interchange stop/terminus at Russell. The final number of stops and locations would be defined following further refinement of the electrical requirements of the proposed wire-free technology and ongoing community consultation.

The proposed indicative stop locations include the following (refer to Figure 4.1):

London Circuit Stop (located on London Circuit between Ainslie Place and Theatre Lane). National Convention Centre Stop (located on Constitution Avenue to the west of the intersection with Coranderrk Street). Canberra Institute of Technology Stop (located on Constitution Avenue between Coranderrk Street and Anzac Parade). Wendouree Drive Stop (located on Constitution Avenue Constitution Avenue to the west of the intersection with Wendouree Drive). Russell Terminus Stop (located in the western car park to the south of the intersection of Russell Drive and Kings Avenue).

Potential stop alternatives

In additional to the five proposed stops described above, two stop alternatives would be investigated for the Russell Extension Project as part of the future development and refinement of the Project. These alternatives include the following:

additional stop on Russell Drive – dependent on further investigation of the preferred wire-free technology requirements, an additional stop on Russell Drive between the Wendouree Drive Stop and the proposed Russell interchange/ terminus may be necessary to meet operational power and LRV charging requirements. This stop would provide for an additional overhead charging station to provide required power for LRVs between the proposed Wendouree Drive and Russell interchange/terminus stops. The location of the indicative stop is shown on Figure 4.1. relocation of the currently proposed Civic stop from its current position north of Alinga Street to a location south of Alinga Street – as part of the extension of the current Gungahlin to Civic – Stage 1 Project, there would be the potential to relocate the currently proposed Civic stop to a location within the central median of Northbourne Avenue north of London Circuit, between the Sydney and Melbourne Buildings.

Platforms at all stops would be initially constructed as 30 metre platforms however would be designed to be capable of extension to accommodate 45-metre long light rail vehicles (allowing for extended LRVs as part of future operations). Each stop platform would have a shelter for approximately one third of its length. The proposed shelters would be steel-framed with flat roofs and walls on three sides comprising a mix of glazed and precast concrete panels. Above the shelters would be a charge bar and overhead lines for recharging the light rail vehicles (as part of the wire-free technology proposed for the Project). The charge bars would be approximately 5.5 metres high and the poles at each end would extend higher.

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Each of the stops along Constitution Avenue and the indicative stop on Russell Drive have been designed with island platforms to achieve a consistent visual appearance and to minimise the visible stop infrastructure along these roads. This approach would also limit the need for track deviations along the light rail alignment, as the stops would be located generally within the proposed wide median along Constitution Avenue. The London Circuit stop and the Russell interchange/terminus stop would be provided as side platform arrangements to allow for improved light rail operations and improved interchange functionality with buses at these locations.

Systems such as closed circuit television, ticketing, public address systems, audio call/help points, and passenger information displays would be installed at each stop location. These systems would be connected to the communications backbone network, with all base equipment located at the operational control centre.

Light rail stops would be connected from the median to the nearest footpath using signalised pedestrian crossings, generally at one end and mostly using existing signalled intersections.

Light rail vehicles

The LRVs proposed for the Project would generally be consistent with those proposed for the Stage 1 – Gungahlin to Civic Project and would have a capacity of at least 200 passengers, and on-board space provision to carry up to four bicycles. The LRVs would be approximately 2.65 metres wide and up to 33 metres long. LRVs would have level boarding at all doors, priority seats for mobility-impaired passengers and designated areas for wheelchairs, pushers and bicycles. LRVs would also have visual and audible announcements for each stop as it approaches, including interchange information.

The LRVs for the Russell Extension Project would be powered so that they are capable of travelling without the need for overhead wires (as is proposed for this section of the proposed light rail network).

Stabling depot and maintenance facility

The stabling depot and maintenance facility located on Flemington in Mitchell (proposed as part of the Stage 1 Civic to Gungahlin Project) would be utilised for LRV stabling and general maintenance (including LRV washing) of LRVs which would operate along the Russell Extension Project.

Some modification to the currently proposed stabling depot and maintenance facility would be required to accommodate the operational requirements of the Russell Extension Project including:

provision of two additional stabling tracks (in addition to earthworks for the future construction of a third stabling track) up to 22 additional car parking spaces other minor layout changes

Changes to access and road configuration

Modification works to the existing road corridor and existing intersections would be required to accommodate the proposed alignment for the Russell Extension Project. These would generally comprise:

modifications to intersection layouts modifications to traffic signal phasing modifications to the number of existing traffic lanes installation of new traffic signals, where required widening of the road carriageway and changes to kerb lines, where required changes to property or existing car park access.

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Other changes to road configuration and access (vehicle and pedestrian) arrangements resulting from the Russell Extension Project include:

removal of right-hand turns across the light rail alignment, except at signalised intersections (where possible) convert accesses to left-in/left-out to reduce right-hand turns across light rail where required removal of some (currently) uncontrolled pedestrian crossings along Constitution Avenue widening of some pedestrian footpaths, where required.

Changes to parking

Locating the proposed light rail alignment within the median would minimise the impact on existing parking spaces. However, some parking would be required to be removed at the following locations along the proposed alignment:

On street parking provided as part of the current constitution Avenue upgrade works between London Circuit and Allara Street would be required to be removed from both the northern and southern sides of Constitution Avenue. This would result in the loss of approximately 16 to 20 car parking spaces currently proposed as part of the ongoing upgrade works. The remaining indented parking bays associated with the Constitution Avenue upgrade project to the east of Allara Street would be retained as part of the Russell Extension Project. Approximately 85 car parking spaces would be removed from the car part to the south of Russell Drive to accommodate alignment and associated road works along this roadway. Approximately 135 car parking spaces would be removed from the western car park at the intersection of Russell Drive and Kings Avenue to accommodate the proposed Russell interchange/terminus.

Power supply and substations

The Project traction system nominal voltage would be 750V DC, with a typical LRV operating range of 525 to 900V DC. This traction system voltage level is commonly used within Australia and internationally.

Preliminary investigations have indicated the need for two additional substations to support the Russell Extension Project. A typical substation building would consist of a pre-fabricated, modular building of dimensions 12 metres by 4.5 metres by 3.8 metres (height) which could be fitted with an external materials facade to blend into specific local, urban environments. The proposed substation have been located clear of existing civil infrastructure such as public access ways, cycle routes, etc.

The detailed design of the overall power system would also consider design elements including urban design requirements, in particular the minimisation of visual and environmental impacts of the substations.

Wire-free operation

Wire-free technology would be provided for the overall length of the Russell Extension Project between the Civic stop (proposed as part of the Stage 1 – Gungahlin to Civic Project) and the Russell Terminus stop, negating the need for overhead wires and poles for the power supply between these stops. This would provide for a reduced visual impact and improved public domain, in particular along Constitution Avenue and within the vicinity of Anzac Parade which currently offer significant heritage vistas as part of the Griffin Plan.

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The detailed design of the Russell Extension Project would investigate the most appropriate form of wire-free technology to be utilised for the Project. The currently proposed wire-free technology include the provision of overhead charging units at stops along the Russell Extension Project alignment. The charge bars would be approximately 5.5 metres high at each stop. This system would require the provision of on-board batteries and an energy storage system which would provide power for the LRVs between charging points (at each stop).

Drainage infrastructure

Drainage requirements for the Project would include:

additional drainage for the light rail track zones to meet required drainage criteria modifications to the existing pit and pipe drainage network where existing services clash with the proposed rail track slab and/or road alignment modifications to existing surface drainage as a result of minor level changes, local catchment boundary adjustments and increased flows as a result of adjustments to impermeable areas reduced overland flow capacity of the overall road corridor cross section as a result of raised pavement levels, particularly at stops, or sections of segregated running where the light rail is raised above existing road levels.

Utilities

The Project would impact upon numerous existing services within the corridor. These services include gas, electrical, water supply mains, sewer, stormwater, street lighting and telecommunications. The infrastructure for the light rail would require relocation or adjustment / protection to a number of services. The exact requirements would be confirmed as the environmental assessment and ongoing design progresses.

4.2 Project timeframe

The timeframe for the development of the Russell Extension Project is still in development and would consist of a separate stage of light rail development to the current Stage 1 – Gungahlin to Civic Project. Table 4.1 identifies currently proposed key dates for the environmental impact assessment, and the Project’s construction and operation (subject to progression of the Russell Extension Project by the ACT Government.

Table 4.1 Estimated timeframe for the Russell Extension Project

Activity Anticipated dates

Environmental assessment and planning approval requirements Late 2015 to mid-2016

Commencement of construction* Mid 2016

Commencement of operation* Late 2019/early 2020

* Subject to planning approval

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4.3 Construction of the Project

Construction activities would be undertaken within the corridor or in close proximity to the corridor and associated with the physical construction of the light rail infrastructure. Construction works for the Russell Extension Project would include the following:

early works (critical upfront activities with long lead times), which may include (but not be limited to); property acquisition, establishment of construction sites; service relocation; temporary water management; vegetation clearance, including removal of street trees where necessary earthworks track route and track slabs civil works construction of light rail stops including provision of access, facilities, security, safety (CCTV), lighting and furniture, and other customer facilities and wayfinding information, including passenger information display systems (PIDS) to advise customers of the next few services surfaces and paving in the proposed light rail corridor power including supply, substations and overhead lines rail systems and signalling, as required temporary and permanent changes to property access and local traffic circulation and car parking temporary and permanent road, traffic and intersection modifications public domain modifications along the route, including strategies for access, streetscapes (paving, trees and furniture within the project corridor) and lighting rail/road interaction including traffic signal prioritisation temporary and permanent removal and/or relocation of existing facilities such as on-street parking, loading zones (where these occur along the proposed alignment), cycling infrastructure, bus stops and other public transport facilities worksite compounds (currently 2 sites proposed), workforce access, facilities, activities, plant and equipment.

Other activities that would occur during the construction phase include procurement of additional LRV’s for the extended network in addition to light rail system and LRV commissioning activities.

A preliminary Project impact footprint has been identified for the Russell Extension Project. This footprint refers to the area that would be directly impacted by the Russell Extension Project including the proposed light rail tracks, stops and other infrastructure such as preliminary substation locations (refer to section 5.1 for details). The preliminary Project impact footprint, including the proposed location of construction compounds, is shown in Figure 4.2.

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Figure 4.2 Preliminary Russell Extension Project Impact Footprint

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Construction compounds

Two main construction compounds sites would be required as part of construction. These would include the following (refer to Figure 4.2):

Corner of London Circuit and Northbourne Avenue (existing city carpark): Block 13 Section 63, City (proposed area of approximately 4,000 square metres). This compound site is also proposed to be used for the construction of Stage 1. The compound at this location is proposed to occupy approximately half of the existing car parking area at this location. Russell Drive (currently used for existing temporary offices): Block 4 Section 80, Russell (proposed area of approximately 15,000 square metres).

4.4 Operation of the Project

The Russell Extension Project would operate as part of the overall Capital Metro Light Rail network in conjunction with the currently proposed Stage 1 – Gungahlin to Civic Project. Key features of the Russell Extension Project’s proposed operations are summarised in Table 4.2. These details are indicative only and subject to change as the design progresses.

Table 4.2 Key operational features

Feature Description

Services A frequency of at least 6 minutes between 7.00 am and 9.00 am and between 4.00 pm and 6.00 pm on weekdays, 10 minutes between 9.00 am and 4.00 pm on weekdays and 15 minutes at other times on weekdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Additional services may be provided at busy times if patronage requires it. The fleet of approximately 18 low-floor LRVs is sized to allow 5-minute frequency (if required). LRVs will have priority at a majority of intersections along the corridor.

Light rail Distinctive, electric-powered, low floor, air conditioned vehicles. vehicles Approximately 33 metres long vehicles, with capacity for up to 200 customers. On-board space provision to carry up to four bicycles. Real-time information on services via audio and visual displays.

Light rail stops Legible and highly visible with step-free access to LRVs, shelter and seating. Passenger Information Displays, audio announcements and signage. Enhanced facilities at termini and interchange stop(s).

Stabling/ At the stabling depot and maintenance facility in Mitchell (proposed as part of the Stage 1 Civic to maintenance Gungahlin Project), for LRV stabling and general maintenance (including LRV washing). facilities

Ticketing Fully integrated with the MyWay ticketing system. The existing MyWay smartcard ticketing system would be used on the whole of the proposed Capital Metro network. Each stop would require card validators and may include ticket vending and MyWay top-up machines. The placement and number of these devices would be investigated as operational requirements are developed (subject to detailed design and demand for this facility at stops).

Accessibility Fully accessible in accordance with Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA) requirements, designed for people with a disability, the elderly and those travelling in wheelchairs or with prams.

Operational Wire-free technology supply for all sections between Civic and Russell, supplied by up to two power supply substations along the Russell Extension Project alignment.

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5. Preliminary environmental assessment – key issues

5.1 Russell Extension Project impact footprint

A preliminary Project impact footprint has been prepared based on the current design for the Russell Extension Project. The impact footprint outlines the area which is likely to be impacted by the development and operation of the light rail. This footprint has been shown previously in Figure 4.2. The Project footprint would be used as a basis for future environment assessment of the Russell Extension Project.

For the purposes of this preliminary environmental assessment, the following definitions have been used:

The preliminary ‘Russell Extension Project impact footprint’ refers to the area that would be directly impacted by the Project including the proposed light rail tracks, stops and other infrastructure such as preliminary substation locations. The ‘Russell Extension Project study area’ encompasses the preliminary Russell Extension Project impact footprint site and a buffer zone which has been applied to identify the constraints nearby to the Project which may or may not be indirectly impacted by the Russell Extension Project. This buffer area generally represents an area within 200 metres of the alignment and up to 500 metres at the terminus location at Russell.

It is noted that the Russell Extension Project would generally occur within the identified footprint, however, following ongoing design, some potential project elements may be located outside of this area. If this occurs these aspects would be further investigated and refined during future planning approval phases.

5.2 Heritage (Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal)

A preliminary heritage and archaeological assessment of the Russell Extension Project was undertaken by Godden Mackay Logan Heritage Pty Ltd (GML) in May 2015 with the aim of identifying potential impacts to built, archaeological and Aboriginal heritage. A summary of this assessment is provided below with the report provided in full as Appendix A – Capital Metro, ACT Light Rail, Russell Extension – Heritage Impact Assessment (GML Heritage, 2015).

5.2.1 Methodology

A review of the following statutory heritage lists was undertaken to determine the presence of historic heritage items, conservation areas and archaeological sites which may be impacted by the Russell Extension Project:

the ACT Heritage Register the Commonwealth Heritage List National Heritage List (NHL) National Trust ACT Heritage Register Australian Institute of Architects (ACT Branch) Register of Significant Twentieth Century Architecture Register of the National Estate (a non-statutory archive) were completed.

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Database searches of the ACT Heritage Unit were also undertaken to identify historical archaeological features. The ACT Heritage Unit also holds information on Aboriginal places and objects in the ACT. A database search was undertaken for an area bounded on the south side by the edge of Lake Burley Griffin, by Marcus Clarke Street to the West, Barry Drive, Corranderk Street, Booroondara Street and Chauvel Street to the north and the eastern side of Mount Pleasant to the east.

5.2.2 Existing environment

Aboriginal heritage

A number of Aboriginal sites have been identified within the Russell Extension Project study area and a wider search (significantly wider than the identified Russell Extension Project impact footprint) to assist in understanding the broader context of Aboriginal sites in the landscape surrounding the Project.

Search results indicated that there are no recorded sites in the immediate area of the proposed Russell Extension Project alignment, although four recorded Aboriginal sites are located within the broader search area. These sites are all located on the lower slopes of Mt Pleasant and include:

MPAS1/PAD – This site is a scatter of 10 artefacts on a flat-graded track on the southern basal slopes of Mount Pleasant, approximately 180 metres north of the former alignment of the Molonglo River. MPAS 2 – This site comprises a scatter of seven artefacts located on a gently-sloping dirt track on the western side of Mt Pleasant, some 300 metres north of site MPAS1/PAD. AIF2 – this recording is an isolated artefact recorded in 1990 for the Canberra Archaeological Society sites inventory. NCAR-AS-1 – This previously unrecorded site is located within an area, greatly disturbed by road construction, to the southeast of the roundabout and Northcott Drive at Russell, approximately 400 metres east of the proposed Russell Terminus location. The site is a low density artefact scatter situated on a low gradient basal slope containing seven artefacts.

Further details regarding these sites is provided in Appendix A.

There were no other recorded Aboriginal sites within the search area. Overall, there is some evidence that the landscape was in use by Aboriginal people in the past. This evidence remains partially intact on the slope of Mt Pleasant nearby. Elsewhere, however, landscape modification to this road and city corridor will have destroyed most if not all Aboriginal sites. The risk of disturbing Aboriginal sites as a result of the Russell Extension Project is therefore low.

Consultation with four Representative Aboriginal Organisations

Initial consultation with four Representative Aboriginal Organisations (RAOs), comprising the Buru Ngunawal Aboriginal Corporation; King Brown’s Tribal Group (formerly known as the Consultative Body Aboriginal Corporation on Indigenous Land and Artefacts in the Ngunnawal Area); the Little Gudgenby River Tribal Council; and the Ngarigu Currawong Clan, has also been undertaken as part of the preliminary environmental investigations. There was general agreement from the RAOs that the road corridors along which the Russell Extension Project was aligned would have been subject to significant disturbance in the past. All of the RAOs agreed that there was no need for any further assessment of Indigenous heritage values for this part of the Russell Extension Project alignment.

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Non-Aboriginal heritage and historical archaeology

Heritage places and ojects along the alignment

A total of 16 heritage listed items were identified within the Russell Extension Project study area which have the potential to be affected by the Russell Extension Project. Table 5.1 and Table 5.2 list non-Aboriginal places and objects registered or nominated to statutory heritage registers, including the CHL and NHL and the ACT Heritage Register, identified during searches of relevant registers. The tables include only those places found within or partially within the study area.

Table 5.1 Non-Aboriginal heritage places and objects on the NHL or CHL along the Russell Extension Project alignment

Item name Location/curtilage Status

Canberra – Central Includes Northbourne Avenue, Canberra Nominated place, NHL National Area and Inner Hills

Canberra and Includes Northbourne Avenue, Canberra Nominated place, NHL Surrounding Areas

West Portal Cafeteria Constitution Avenue Nominated Place, CHL (updated Heritage Management Plan in progress)

Australian War Memorial Anzac Parade Listed place, NHL (105889) (Heritage and the Memorial Parade Management Plans in place)

Parliament House Vista– Anzac Parade Listed place, CHL Portal Buildings

Parliament House Vista Anzac Parade Listed place, CHL (Heritage Management Plan in place)

Russell Precinct Heritage Centred on Sir Thomas Blamey Square Listed place, CHL (Heritage Management Area Plan in place)

Australian American Sir Thomas Blamey Square, Russell Listed place, CHL Memorial and Sir Thomas Blamey Square

Table 5.2 Non-Aboriginal heritage places and objects on the ACT Heritage Register along the Russell Extension Project alignment

Item name Location/curtilage Status

City Hill Section 34 and all the land enclosed by the Registered on ACT Heritage Register outer perimeter of the Vernon Circle road reservation, City

Melbourne and 27 and 28 Northbourne Avenue (Sections 1 Registered on ACT Heritage Register Sydney Buildings and 48), City (Conservation Management Plan in place)

Ethos Statue Civic Square (Section 19, Block 18), City Registered object on ACT Heritage Register

Colonial Building London Circuit (Section 14, Block 1), City Provisionally registered 13 December 2014 (former MLC Building) ACT Heritage Register

City Square Ainslie Avenue (Section 19, Block 18) Nominated to ACT Heritage Register (Draft Conservation Management Plan)

Olympic Swimming Allara Street and Constitution Avenue Nominated to ACT Heritage Register Pool (Civic Pool) (Section 37, Blocks 2 and 6), City

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Item name Location/curtilage Status

St John the Baptist Section 33, Block 1 (part), Block 2 and Block Registered on ACT Heritage Register Church and 10 (part) and part of adjacent road (Conservation Management Plans in place Churchyard reservations to the nature strip and in progress)

Reid Railway Constitution Avenue and Amaroo Street Nominated to ACT Heritage Register Embankment (Section 33, Block 11), Reid

Historical archaeology

A search of the ACT Heritage Register for non-Aboriginal historical archaeological sites in the vicinity of the proposed Russell Extension Project alignment identified four site records as follows:

Mayos Dairy (also known as Edlingtons Dairy), formerly part of the Campbell estate, Duntroon Dairy. This site is located near Moreshead Drive to the southeast of the Russell Precinct, approximately 650 metres southeast of the proposed Russell Extension alignment. Blundells Cottage and surrounds. This site is located between Parkes Way and Lake Burley Griffin, approximately 280 metres south of the proposed Russell Extension alignment. John Murrays house site, formerly known as Glebe Farm. This site is located in Commonwealth Park in close proximity to Lake Burley Griffin. The site remains as an archaeological zone only. It is approximately 360 metres to the south of the proposed Russell Extension alignment. St Johns Public School site, also known as the Schoolhouse Museum, a built structure and possibly also an archaeological site within the grounds of St Johns Church, Reid on Constitution Avenue. The nominated structure is set back approximately 90 metres from the road and the proposed Russell Extension alignment.

None of these potential archaeological zones falls within the vicinity of the proposed Russell Extension Project alignment to the extent that they may be impacted as a result of the construction or operation of the Project.

The identified non-Aboriginal heritage and historical archaeology sites within the vicinity of the Russell Extension Project are shown on Figure 5.1.

Further details regarding the potential impacts on the setting of listed/nominated heritage places and objects is provided in Chapter 4 the Heritage Impact Assessment (GML Heritage, 2015) attached as Appendix A of this report.

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