Memo
Date: 31/05/13 Subject: Community & Stakeholder Consultation Summary of Activities undertaken & interactions with local stakeholders From: Mike Cirino To: Peter Dalton
Westlink developed a Community & Stakeholder Consultation Plan to ensure clear consistent information about the Westlink Power Project (WPP) and the approvals process was provided to all key stakeholders. A copy of the plan is attached (note, this plan was also included in the Information Request Response ‐ refer Appendix 16)
The plan describes: The objectives of the consultation process; A list of identified stakeholders; A plan of proposed consultation activities; A summary of consultation issues, queries, comments and concerns raised by stakeholders, together with Westlink comments and/or descriptions of how issues have been addressed within the current development proposal.
Summary of key activities / communications
The consultation plan involved a range of communication activities including: Direct correspondence with local residents; Meetings with landholders, residents and other stakeholders; Issue of media releases to local press (Gatton Star, Queensland Times, Toowoomba Chronicle); Meetings with local press (Gatton Star, Queensland Times, Toowoomba Chronicle); Presentation to Council representatives; Presentation at full LVRC Council Meeting; Development & publication of a project website; Establishment of a project free‐call 1800 contact number and email address; Publication of project newsletters (4 in total); Mailout of newsletters to local residents and other stakeholders (regular mailing list of 197, including 180 local residents/landholders; supplementary mailing list of 112 local businesses); Publication of print advertisements in the Gatton Star (10 in total);
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Details of these activities are contained in the appended table below.
Copies of the newsletters, newspaper advertisements, media releases and presentations are attached.
Interactions with residents, landholders, business owners
Between the point in time that the application was lodged and March 2013 (completion of the Information Request Stage), Westlink received responses or enquiries from a total of 32 distinct parties (residents, landholders, business owners). Interactions included the following: Meetings: 18 Telephone enquiries: 9 Email enquiries: 8 TOTAL: 35
A summary of the issues raised during these interactions is contained in the attached file: Westlink Power Project ‐ Communications Register V22 (23.03.10).
A copy of all meeting records (in‐person meetings and telephone) is also attached. Other telephone and email communication notes are contained in the Communications Register referred to above.
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This Community and Stakeholder Consultation Plan provided for consultation to be conducted in four stages:
‐ Stage 1: Pre Lodgement of Development Application (DA); ‐ Stage 2: Lodgement of DA; ‐ Stage 3: Post Lodgement of DA; and ‐ Stage 4: Post Decision.
Activities defined in this plan are based around key approvals process activities and milestones, e.g. undertaking initial technical studies in support of a development application; lodgement of development application; responding to referral agency information requests; public notification period; and Assessment Manager decision. Activities defined in this plan will be updated as the project progresses based on stakeholder feedback.
Completed and planned activities for Stages 1 ‐3 are defined below. Stage 4 activities will be defined at a later date.
Stage 1 – Pre‐Lodgement of DA
Activity Stakeholder Purpose Date Form of communication Introductory Lockyer Valley Regional Council ‐ Provide background information on the project 07/04/09 Meeting / presentation ‐ LVRC ‐ Cr Dave Nuendorf highlighting the nature of project, potential impacts presentation ‐ Mr Colin O’Connor and benefits, location, FAQs, contact details, ‐ Mr David Kay planned community & stakeholder relations ‐ Ms Tracy Ryan activities. Establish project free All ‐ Provide free call telephone number for stakeholders 15/04/09 call 1800 number to contact members of the Project team. Establish project e‐mail All ‐ Provide e‐mail address for stakeholders to contact 23/04/09 address members of the Project team. Introductory Residents/landholders in the vicinity of the ‐ Advise that Westlink is investigating potential 06/05/09 Mail correspondence Development Site development of a gas–fired power station at a site north of Gatton.
Memo ‐ WPP Community & Stakeholder Consultation ‐ Summary (31.05.13).docx 3 of 3 Activity Stakeholder Purpose Date Form of communication Local Members of Parliament: ‐ Provide background information on nature of 06/05/09 Mail ‐ Ian Rickuss (State) proposed project. ‐ Shayne Neumann (Federal) ‐ Enclose Newsletter #1. Lockyer Valley Regional Councillors & Senior ‐ Offer of a meeting to discuss project in more detail. 06/05/09 Mail Management: ‐ Highlight contact details for stakeholder ‐ Cr Steve Jones (Mayor) queries/feedback. ‐ Cr Grahame Moon (Deputy Mayor) ‐ Reference soon to be developed website & further ‐ Cr Peter Friend newsletters to keep stakeholders informed. ‐ Cr Janice Holstein ‐ Cr Jim McDonald ‐ Cr Tanya Milligan ‐ Cr Dave Nuendorf ‐ Mr Colin O’Connor (CEO) ‐ Mr David Kay (Director Planning, Building & Environment Services) APA Group 11/05/09 Mail & E‐mail Powerlink 12/05/09 E‐mail Energex 12/05/09 Mail & E‐mail Jagera Daran 17/06/09 Mail Community Provide to all stakeholders as an attachment ‐ Provide background information on the project Refer above Mail, e‐mail, Newsletter #1 to with introductory correspondence highlighting the nature of project, potential impacts distributed at (introduction) and benefits, location, FAQs and contact details. meetings, uploaded to website Media Release All ‐ Provide background information on the project 08/05/09 – Media release (provided to Gatton highlighting the nature of project, potential impacts 11/05/09 provided at Star. Toowoomba and benefits, location, FAQs and contact details. meetings Chronicle & Queensland Times) Media briefings All ‐ Provide background information on the project 08/05/09 – Meetings (with Gatton Star, highlighting the nature of project, potential impacts 11/05/09 Toowoomba Chronicle and benefits, location, FAQs and contact details. & Queensland Times)
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Newspaper Broader local community ‐ Provide info re: nature and status of project, Advert run: Newspaper advertisement #2 location, site selection, benefits, visual impact, 15/07/09 display (Gatton Star) timing etc advertising ‐ Provide contact details for interested community members to discuss issues / voice concerns. Community Provide to all stakeholders listed above ‐ Provide background information on the project From Mail, e‐mail, Newsletter #2 highlighting the nature of project, location and 30/07/09 distributed at (post‐initial contact details. stakeholder consultation) ‐ Provide update on outcomes of technical studies. meetings, ‐ Provide overview of issues raised in community uploaded to consultation conducted to date. website Newspaper Broader local community ‐ Answer FAQs from initial consultation activities. Advert run: Newspaper advertisement #3 ‐ Provide info re: nature of project, location, benefits, 05/08/09 display (Gatton Star) visual impact etc advertising ‐ Provide contact details for interested community members to discuss issues / voice concerns. Newspaper Broader local community ‐ Provide additional information via FAQs from initial Advert run: Newspaper advertisement #4 consultation activities. 02/09/09 display (Gatton Star) ‐ Provide status update, draft photomontages etc advertising ‐ Provide contact details for interested community members to discuss issues / voice concerns.
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Activity Stakeholder Purpose Date Form of communication Meeting / LVRC ‐ Presentation prior to lodging DA; 12/08/09 Presentation to Presentation – Broader local community ‐ Overview of project benefits / impacts; CSR process Council Meeting LVRC Council Meeting and activities conducted; development application; timing etc. ‐ Opportunity for LVRC Councillors to provide feedback on proposal. Newspaper Broader local community ‐ Provide detailed full page project overview advising Advert run: Newspaper advertisement #5 DA lodged and highlighting benefits, use of existing 23/09/09 display (Gatton Star) infrastructure, visual impact & photomontages, advertising location, project status, landscaping plan etc. ‐ Provide contact details for interested community members to discuss issues / voice concerns. Community Provide to all stakeholders listed above with ‐ Notification of lodgement of DA. From Mail, e‐mail, Newsletter #3 cover letter / e‐mail ‐ Overview of key outcomes from technical 28/09/09 distributed at (DA lodgement) assessments. stakeholder ‐ Provide overview of visual impact assessment and meetings, photomontages. uploaded to ‐ Provide further detail on assessment process. website Advisory letters / e‐ Government Departments and Agencies and ‐ Notification of lodgement of DA. Sept/Oct Mail and e‐mail mails other stakeholders: 2009 ‐ APA Group ‐ Energex ‐ DME ‐ DIP ‐ Gatton & Springdale Rural Fire Brigade ‐ Lockyer Water Users Forum
Website Update All ‐ Upload development application onto website. 22/09/09 Website ‐ Update FAQs. ‐ Upload IDAS approvals process flowchart.
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Activity Stakeholder Purpose Date Form of communication Meetings, telephone Local community members ‐ Provide further detail on the proposal. 13/10/09 to Meetings, calls and e‐mails with ‐ Provide opportunity to take feedback on the 31/01/10 telephone calls local community Meetings: 1 proposal and address issues, queries and concerns. & e‐mails members/general Telephone enquiries: 1 Ongoing public: E‐mail enquiries: 2 ‐ Residents ‐ Landholders ‐ Business owners ‐ Job seekers Community Provide to all stakeholders listed above with ‐ Update on project status. March 2010 Mail, e‐mail, Newsletter #4 cover letter / e‐mail ‐ Provide overview of LVRC and referral agency distributed at (information information requests and Westlink responses. stakeholder requests/notification ‐ Provide update on approvals process and upcoming meetings, period) notification period. uploaded to website Newspaper Broader local community ‐ Update on project status. March 2010 Newspaper advertisement #7 ‐ Update re: information request stage display (Gatton Star) ‐ Provide update on approvals process and upcoming advertising NB: ad#6 held back notification period. Website Update All ‐ Upload information requests and Westlink March 2010 Website responses to information requests onto website Newspaper Broader local community ‐ Update on project status. July 2010 Newspaper advertisement #8 ‐ FAQs display (Gatton Star) ‐ Provide update on approvals process and upcoming advertising Council assessment. Newspaper Broader local community ‐ Update on project status. July 2010 Newspaper advertisement #9 ‐ Local benefits display (Gatton Star) advertising Newspaper Broader local community ‐ Update on project status. July 2010 Newspaper advertisement #10 ‐ FAQs display (Gatton Star) ‐ Provide update on approvals process and upcoming advertising Council assessment.
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The following table summarises issues, queries, comments and concerns raised by members of the community during consultation activities conducted between May 2009 and January 2010, together with Westlink comments and/or descriptions of how issues have been addressed within the current development proposal.
Issue Specific issues, queries, TOTAL ‐ TOTAL – Westlink response / comments Development Category comments, concerns Specific Issue application issues category reference Air quality Would there be smoke from the Air quality impacts: Refer Section plant? 7 of the REF – Air quality impacts have been assessed in detail as part of the Air Quality Air Quality. Impact Assessment undertaken by Katestone Environmental.
Amongst other points, Katestone Environmental concluded that:
1 ‐ Dispersion modelling of nitrogen dioxide, PM10, PM2.5, sulfur
dioxide and carbon monoxide emissions from Westlink Power Project
indicates the impacts close to the proposed power station are low
and well below both short‐term and long‐term air quality objectives
for human health with the inclusion of conservative background
levels.
‐ The contribution of the oxides of nitrogen emissions from the Emissions will reduce air quality 2 proposed power station to regional levels of photochemical ozone in the Lockyer Valley are minor and are not expected to result in any additional exceedences of the EPP (Air) objectives. ‐ For the photochemical event periods modelled with the existing background sources, the proposed Westlink Power Project has a negligible contribution to regional maximum ozone levels. The 1 maximum ozone concentrations from the Westlink Power Project generally occur on different hours and at different locations to the maximum ozone concentrations from background sources. Visibility of plume: There would be no visible plume, that is there would be no visible “smoke” from the stack outlets.
Memo ‐ WPP Community & Stakeholder Consultation ‐ Summary (31.05.13).docx 10 of 10 Issue Specific issues, queries, TOTAL ‐ TOTAL – Westlink response / comments Development Category comments, concerns Specific Issue application issues category reference Community Westlink is going about it in the Westlink is committed to engaging with the local community and other Refer Section consultation right way 1 key stakeholders to ensure that concerns and issues are addressed and 3.4 of the potential project impacts are minimised. REF – Westlink needs to engage with Community & Completed and planned community & stakeholder consultation activities the community and address their Stakeholder 1 are outlined in this plan. Westlink has sought to raise awareness of the concerns Consultation. project and answer stakeholder queries through various means, including:
newsletters; media releases; newspaper advertising; face‐to‐face People are not aware of the 4 meetings with landholders; the establishment of a project website; and project / are confusing it with the 1 presentations to stakeholder groups. Mulgowie Rd project Westlink will continue to engage with the community throughout the I have not received any assessment phase and (subject to development approval) subsequent correspondence / newsletters phases of the project. 1 about the project
Community Suggestion to use balance of site Westlink intends to retain the balance of the site as a natural buffer with projects / for community activities/projects landscaping enhancements. initiatives 1 1 Westlink will consider options and proposals for community projects post assessment of the development application. EMFs Has Westlink conducted a study The Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) on electro‐magnetic fields is the Federal Government agency responsible for providing health (EMFs)? assessments and recommendations to the Government on matters relating to EMFs. ARPANSA state that: “On balance, the scientific evidence does not indicate that exposure to 50 Hz EMFs found around the home, the office or near power lines is a hazard to human health.” 1 1 Westlink has not conducted a specific study on EMF impacts from the project. EMF levels within the plant would be managed in accordance with good industry practice and would comply with Australian standards. Community members with an interest in finding out more about EMFs and health can visit ARPANSA’s website: http://www.arpansa.gov.au/. Employment What are the likely employment Economic impacts have been assessed in Section 5.3 of the REF. Refer Section & opportunities? 2 12 5.3 of the REF. Subject to commercial terms, Westlink is committed to sourcing labour, investment
Memo ‐ WPP Community & Stakeholder Consultation ‐ Summary (31.05.13).docx 11 of 11 Issue Specific issues, queries, TOTAL ‐ TOTAL – Westlink response / comments Development Category comments, concerns Specific Issue application issues category reference Opportunity for general site goods and services from the local community wherever possible. maintenance work during 1 Westlink is maintaining a register of individuals and businesses who have development process? expressed an interest in providing labour, goods or services to the project.
This register would be provided to major construction contractors and Plant is needed because the power station operations management. region is growing 2
Expression of interest to work at the power plant/for Westlink 3
Expression of interest to provide services to the project 3
Expression of interest regarding associated complementary 1 business
Land use & Project site is poor quality land Use of agricultural land: Refer Section planning (Good Quality Agricultural Land 4 of the REF – There is a small portion of the development site in the south‐western should not be used for industrial 1 Land Use & corner which is zoned Rural Agricultural. While the proposed or residential development) Planning. development includes the implementation of landscaping enhancements
and the construction of a dam in this area of the site, this portion of land Proposed use for balance of is actually of poor quality and is subject to inundation (and thus lends project site? 2 itself to the construction of a dam).
The landfill site is temporary only The balance of the site is not suitable for agricultural uses of any material 1 12 value. Adjacent area north of highway Balance of site: should be added to Gatton North 2 precinct The development footprint is approximately seven hectares, with the balance of the site being approximately 63 hecatres. Westlink has no Adjacent area north of highway plans to develop the balance of the site which would instead be retained should not be added to Gatton as a natural buffer with landscaping enhancements. 1 North precinct Existing land use (zoning):
Memo ‐ WPP Community & Stakeholder Consultation ‐ Summary (31.05.13).docx 12 of 12 Issue Specific issues, queries, TOTAL ‐ TOTAL – Westlink response / comments Development Category comments, concerns Specific Issue application issues category reference Site is not zoned for industrial use The Development Site is zoned predominantly as Rural General under the 2 Gatton Planning Scheme, with an area of Rural Agricultural zoning What is the status of the re‐ extending into the south western corner. zoning of the Gatton North area? 2 Most power station developments occur in rural areas, for example recent
power station developments in southern Queensland include Oakey What is the land zoning? Power Station, Braemar Power Stations 1 & 2, Darling Downs Power Station and Condamine Power Station. The proposed use is not an urban activity for the purposes of interpreting the SEQ Regional Plan 2009‐2031. Gatton North Local Development Area: 1 The Development Site and the adjoining blocks to the east and west were previously part of an investigation area under the Draft SEQ Regional Plan (potential provision of land for industrial purposes). While the LVRC has previously sought to have this land included as part of the Gatton North Local Development Area, the final SEQ Regional Plan 2009‐2031 did not include this land as part of the Urban Footprint. Location It is the right location for a power The development site was selected based on consideration of a broad Refer Section plant range of community, technical and commercial factors. 2.1 of the Review of The site is considered to be appropriate for the proposed use, primarily Environmental due to: 5 Factors (REF) ‐ ‐ The expected minimal environmental and community impact; Location. ‐ The complementary nature of the surrounding land use (e.g. Warrego Highway, waste disposal facility and landfill, electrical substation, gas 8 compressor station, sewage treatment plant; Gatton North Local Other sites would be better Development Area); ‐ Its proximity to an existing high voltage electricity transmission line and substation; ‐ Its proximity to the existing Roma to Brisbane gas pipeline and a gas 1 compressor station; ‐ Its proximity to other existing gas pipeline and electricity transmission easements; ‐ Its proximity to South‐East Queensland (SEQ) electricity loads;
Memo ‐ WPP Community & Stakeholder Consultation ‐ Summary (31.05.13).docx 13 of 13 Issue Specific issues, queries, TOTAL ‐ TOTAL – Westlink response / comments Development Category comments, concerns Specific Issue application issues category reference Why does it need to be located in ‐ An expected favourable transmission loss factor; the Lockyer Valley / close to ‐ An expected favourable risk profile with respect to exposure to Brisbane? 2 transmission constraints; and ‐ The potential to realise embedded generation benefits associated with connection to a distribution system. Noise Unlikely to be an issue (due to Noise impacts have been assessed in detail as part of the Noise Refer Section highway, surrounding land use) 2 Assessment undertaken by GHD. 9 of the REF ‐ Noise. GHD concluded that with additional mitigation measures implemented, What would be the noise impact? 6 modelling results indicated that received noise levels are expected to Refer
comply with the project specific criteria at all receivers under all assessed Appendix 14 How is noise 10 weather conditions. of the modelled/measured? 1 Information A full description of the methodology underlying the noise impact Request assessment is contained in the REF (refer Appendix I). What would be the construction Response. noise impact? 1
Odour Would it smell? Potential odour impacts were assessed as part of the Air Quality Refer Section 2 Assessment conducted by Katestone Environmental. 7 of the REF. Would you be using chemicals to The proposed plant is not expected to produce any noticeable odour. odorise the gas? Westlink does not intend to odorise gas delivered to the plant. Instead 3 Westlink will ensure compliance with the Petroleum and Gas (Production 1 and Safety) Act 2004), i.e. Westlink will ensure that that the plant design includes appropriate gas detectors and shut‐down systems, and that a risk analysis is carried out by an appropriately qualified person showing that the supply is safe. Pipeline Will the pipeline need to be It is proposed to transport gas to the site via the existing 440 km Roma to Refer Section expanded? Brisbane Pipeline (RBP), which passes along the southern boundary of the 2.2.10 of the 2 5 Development Site. Connection to the RBP is planned via a gas spur of REF approximately 100 metres in length, connected to the Gatton Gas Compressor Station, which is located on an adjoining property at the
Memo ‐ WPP Community & Stakeholder Consultation ‐ Summary (31.05.13).docx 14 of 14 Issue Specific issues, queries, TOTAL ‐ TOTAL – Westlink response / comments Development Category comments, concerns Specific Issue application issues category reference There is insufficient capacity in south‐eastern corner of the Development Site. RBP to support the project Westlink plans to seek a gas transport service from the owner of the RBP,
2 APA Group. This service would be the subject of a commercial negotiation
between the parties. The exact nature of the service would be determined
in due course based on prevailing gas and electricity market conditions.
Where is the pipeline? Westlink understands that the RBP in its current form is largely fully contracted, i.e. its current capacity is being utilised by other APA Group customers. A gas transport solution for the WPP could therefore require an upgrade of the RBP. APA Group is currently investigating expansion of 1 the RBP through additional compression (e.g. upgrading existing compressor stations as opposed to installing new pipelines), which would result in total capacity in excess of 300 terajoules per day (TJ/day). This represents an increase of more than 100 TJ/day. Project need There is already adequate power Project need is addressed in detail in the REF. Refer Section generation capacity in 3 of the REF – Adequate generation capacity: Queensland Project Need. 1 Based on supply and demand forecasts compiled by the Australian Energy Market Operator, new generation capacity will be required in Queensland over the next decade to maintain supply reliability. Project size is greater than local 2 While existing generation capacity may be sufficient to satisfy current needs levels of demand, new generation capacity will be required to satisfy
future demand growth. Power plants typically take at least 4 to 5 years 1 from project inception to commissioning. Thus, planning for new generation capacity must be undertaken today to meet demand growth in the years ahead. Property Impact on property value if Potential environmental impacts on the surrounding community have While impact values adjacent areas are not added to been assessed in detail in the REF. on property the Gatton North precinct in the 1 values is not a The Development Site is in close proximity to the Warrego Highway, a bulk future matter for 6 supply substation, a gas compressor station, a landfill and waste transfer consideration facility, and a sewage treatment plant. The site is also adjacent to the Unlikely to impact property under the Gatton North precinct, a Local Development Area under the SEQ Regional values given adjacent land use 1 local planning Plan 2009‐2031 providing land for industrial purposes. scheme, a
Memo ‐ WPP Community & Stakeholder Consultation ‐ Summary (31.05.13).docx 15 of 15 Issue Specific issues, queries, TOTAL ‐ TOTAL – Westlink response / comments Development Category comments, concerns Specific Issue application issues category reference Impact on value of future Land values in the vicinity of the project site are likely to reflect the brief residential developments in the existing nature of the surrounding land use and the nearby land zoning. discussion of 1 area The proposed development is consistent with these features in the the topic is surrounding area. contained in Concern about impact on the overview property values of socio‐ economic 3 factors in Section 5.3.4 of the REF. Public safety What about the risk of explosion? Gas is planned to be delivered to the power plant via the Roma to Refer Section Brisbane Pipeline (RBP), which traverses the Lockyer Valley from west to 16 of the REF. east. The original RBP was built in 1969 and has undergone numerous upgrades and expansions over the past 40 years. Modern gas‐fired power stations are designed, built and operated to mitigate the risk of any gas leak, fire or explosion. While highly unlikely to 3 3 occur, emergency procedures to cope with an explosion or leak will be embodied in a Fire/Explosion Emergency Response Plan and related Risk Management Plans. Hazard and risk analysis and management would continue throughout the development and life of the project to deliver a safe design and working environment. Site layout / Position of plant on project site The proposed plant would occupy a footprint of approximately seven Refer Section size of (can it be moved further north?) hectares in the south‐eastern corner of the Development Site. The 2.2.8 of the 3 4 project selected footprint allows for: REF.
Memo ‐ WPP Community & Stakeholder Consultation ‐ Summary (31.05.13).docx 16 of 16 Issue Specific issues, queries, TOTAL ‐ TOTAL – Westlink response / comments Development Category comments, concerns Specific Issue application issues category reference Where would the plant be ‐ Optimal screening of the plant from most vantage points around the located on the site? site; ‐ Minimisation of noise impacts at the nearest sensitive receptors; ‐ Appropriate geotechnical conditions to accommodate heavy equipment and minimise the risk of flooding; ‐ Minimisation of the amount of vegetation to be cleared (as this area 1 of the site is already largely cleared); and ‐ Ready connection to adjacent existing electrical and gas infrastructure. Locating the plant further north on the Development Site would raise the height of the facilities resulting in increased visibility from certain vantage points and potentially increased noise levels at certain receptor locations. Transmission Will the line along Fords Rd need 110kV transmission line: Refer Section lines to be upgraded? 2.2.11 of the Electricity produced by Stage 1 of the project is planned to be injected into REF – the existing Energex owned 110kV transmission line between Abermain Electrical and Middle Ridge, which passes along the southern boundary of the Connection. 3 Development Site.
Energex planning reports indicate that sections of this line will be progressively upgraded over time to serve growing electricity demand along the western corridor. Any future Energex upgrade project would be managed by Energex and would be subject to a separate development 6 Where is the Powerlink easement approvals process. to the north of the project site? Connection into the electricity grid is planned to be made at the existing
Gatton Bulk Supply Substation, which is located on Fords Road,
immediately adjacent the south‐eastern corner of the Development Site.
1 Westlink plans to negotiate a connection agreement with Energex.
Powerlink easement: An existing Powerlink owned transmission line easement exists approximately 500 metres north of the Development Site. This easement
Memo ‐ WPP Community & Stakeholder Consultation ‐ Summary (31.05.13).docx 17 of 17 Issue Specific issues, queries, TOTAL ‐ TOTAL – Westlink response / comments Development Category comments, concerns Specific Issue application issues category reference Where is the 110kV transmission between Ipswich and Toowoomba also runs adjacent to a Powerlink line? owned future substation site at Springdale (approximately 6km north‐east of the Development Site). This substation site connects with Powerlink’s planned 275/500kV system to transport electricity from SWQ to SEQ.
1 This easement could provide an option for connecting later WPP stages to
the 275/500kV transmission network, however, Westlink has no current
plans to develop a transmission line in this easement. This easement is
owned by Powerlink and accordingly any future transmission line would
be subject to Powerlink approval and a separate development approvals
process. Does Westlink intend to build a power line in the Powerlink The optimal electrical connection option for later project stages would be easement north of the site? determined based on the timing and nature of future upgrades of the electricity transmission and distribution network in the vicinity of the Development Site. Future projects in the vicinity of the Development Site, which are included in the South East Queensland Infrastructure Plan and Program 2009–2026, include: ‐ Conversion of the 110kV transmission line between Abermain and 1 Middle Ridge from single circuit to double circuit (Energex); ‐ Development of the Halys to Blackwall 500kV transmission line (Powerlink); and ‐ Development of the Halys to Greenbank 500kV transmission line (Powerlink). Should these projects proceed, then later stages of the WPP could be connected either into the adjacent 110kV system, and or the 500kV system. Future yet to be defined network developments in the region may provide additional options for electrical connection of later project stages. Visual Unlikely to be an issue Visual impacts have been assessed in detail as part of the Visual Impact Refer Section 1 10 impact 12 of the
Memo ‐ WPP Community & Stakeholder Consultation ‐ Summary (31.05.13).docx 18 of 18 Issue Specific issues, queries, TOTAL ‐ TOTAL – Westlink response / comments Development Category comments, concerns Specific Issue application issues category reference What would it look like / what and Landscape Assessment undertaken by GHD. REF – Visual would be the visual impact? 5 Amenity. GHD concluded that overall, the proposed WPP is assessed to have a low
impact on the visual amenity of the area. In a visual context, the site Visual presentation is paramount location is consistent with the surrounding land uses and as such the 1 Refer development is not anticipated to alter visual perceptions of the area. Appendix 8 of What landscaping will be Further analysis of topography and existing vegetation, and further more the undertaken? 1 detailed landscaping design work, was conducted post‐lodgement of the Information Development Application. This work indicates that with landscaping Request It would be good if it were enhancements, the facilities would be fully screened from almost all Response. landscaped in the front surrounding vantage points (refer Appendix 8 of the Information Request 1 Response). Westink plans to undertake extensive landscaping to the south and south‐ Proposal is more aesthetically west of the proposed location of the facilities. A detailed landscape plan pleasing than the Mulgowie Rd has been developed reflecting these proposed works. project Subject to development approval, in order to accelerate the establishment of effective vegetation screening, Westlink proposes to: ‐ Commence landscaping activities as soon as practical – this may 1 occur 2 years or more prior to completion of the first stage of the power plant; ‐ Optimise the height and form of landscaped earth bunding; ‐ Incorporate mature trees into the landscaping plan; and ‐ Construct a new dam as part of initial landscaping activities in order to provide water to facilitate more rapid growth of new vegetation. Water Sewage treatment plant cannot Modern open‐cycle gas‐fired power stations require minimal water. supply supply water as local growers are 1 Based on current Stage 1 designs, annual water use would be less than waiting for this water two megalitres. At these volumes, water could be supplied by capturing 6 and storing rainwater on‐site, supplemented with occasional deliveries of Water may be available from the demineralised water. sewage treatment plant 1 While not included in the current design, if evaporative cooling technology
Memo ‐ WPP Community & Stakeholder Consultation ‐ Summary (31.05.13).docx 19 of 19 Issue Specific issues, queries, TOTAL ‐ TOTAL – Westlink response / comments Development Category comments, concerns Specific Issue application issues category reference Where will water be sourced were to be utilised, Stage 1 would still only require around 10 megalitres from? 2 of water per year.
Water supply options include SEQ Water or council town water supply, Will the existing dam be use of recycled water and on‐site water harvesting (capturing rainwater). maintained? 1 These options will be investigated in detail concurrent with the
assessment of the development application. Will there be any waste water available from the project for Due to the small volume of water required to operate the plant, there 1 agricultural use? would not be any recycled water available for agricultural uses.
Other Lack of trust for bureaucrats, Westlink is committed to building trust in the local community by politicians, Govt agencies given engaging broadly with all interested parties, and providing detailed and past experiences relevant information about the project. Westlink is also committed to 2 minimising environmental and community impacts and is seeking to address stakeholder issues and concerns in the design and development of the project. Claimed advantages of being The power generation market in Australia is a competitive market. close to existing infrastructure Participants compete to develop efficient lower cost solutions. The actual would not result in reduced costs 1 cost of producing electricity flows through to consumer pricing, either through competitive forces, or through retail tariff setting processes which 8 take account of estimated generation production costs. The only way to prevent me Westlink considers the proposed development to be consistent with the objecting is to buy me out surrounding land use, and has sought to minimise potential impacts through sympathetic project design. 1 Westlink has and will continue to engage with local landholders in relation to issues and concerns about project impacts. Any formal objections will be addressed through the planning process. Is this project linked to the There is no link between the Westlink Power Project and the Mulgowie Rd Mulgowie Rd project? 3 project. There is no common ownership or interest in the projects, and there is no collaboration between the proponents.
Memo ‐ WPP Community & Stakeholder Consultation ‐ Summary (31.05.13).docx 20 of 20 Issue Specific issues, queries, TOTAL ‐ TOTAL – Westlink response / comments Development Category comments, concerns Specific Issue application issues category reference Does the developer have links The Doyle Group was established in 1993 and has steadily built its with Local or State Governments? reputation as a successful developer of industrial, commercial and 1 residential projects. The Doyle Group prides itself on a professional and ethical approach in its dealings with Governments, counterparties, communities and other stakeholders.
Memo ‐ WPP Community & Stakeholder Consultation ‐ Summary (31.05.13).docx 21 of 21